by: Austin Mendes
Senior Brandon Baker fires a ball towards the plate against St. Bernard
KILLINGLY, CT-
Following their loss to Lyman Memorial, Killingly was looking to bounce back to avoid going 0-2 on the season. The stage was set at beautiful Ben Desaulnier field at Owen Bell Park on a sunny Tuesday afternoon.
Senior pitcher Brandon Baker was on the mound for Killingly to start the game. Shutting down St. Bernard in the first inning of play, senior first baseman Trevin Russ began the scoring for Killingly with an RBI single to drive in catcher Nathan Keefe.
Trevin Russ loads up to hit
St. Bernard soon tied up the game at one in the second inning. Then, their pitcher began to struggle. Loading up the bases with power hitting junior left fielder Ben Jax to the plate, Jax was hit by a pitch allowing Brady Waterman to score, giving Killingly the lead. Senior designated hitter Justin Baker broke the game open with a 2 RBI single allowing Jay Grzysiewicz and Trevin Russ to score. This gave Killingly a 4-1 lead going into the 4th.
Senior Justin Baker makes contact to drive in Grzysiewicz and Russ
With St. Bernard threatening in the top of the fourth with two outs, Trevin Russ came through with a big defensive play at first base ending St. Bernard's chances. With the game at a standstill with a 4-1 Killingly lead and St. Bernard threatening, senior pitcher Brandon Baker picked off a St. Bernard player to close out the top of the fifth for the Saints. Justin Baker came through again as he hit into an error which allowed Trevin Russ to score. This extended Killingly's lead 5-1.
Freshman pitcher Dominik Kubera closes out the game
Freshman pitcher Dominik Kubera came into the game in the top of the 6th in relief of Brandon Baker to close out the game. Kubera did not allow a single hit in his two innings pitched, securing a 5-1 victory for Killingly in their home opener.
"Today, we got a great performance from Brandon [Baker], there was some pressure, nobody wants to start out 0-2. Brandon went out there and pitched amazing, I'm extremely proud of him." said Coach Ben Desaulnier following the game.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Trevin Russ
Russ (8) catches an out at first base
The senior first baseman had an outstanding day as he made an impact both on the defensive and offensive ends. He led the offense with 2 hits and a walk, along with multiple runs scored and was a vital part of the offense for Killingly. "I stayed true to myself, and took every chance I got to make an impact." said Russ following the game.
WP: Brandon Baker (1-0)
WHAT'S NEXT?:
Killingly (1-1) will play Waterford on Thursday, April 7, weather permitting in Waterford, CT
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Special thanks to Thomas Martell and Anjolina Ortiz for their assistance with photos and film during the game
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