(Groveland) “Great job by Ethan today,” said Pentucket coach Kevin Murray afterwards.
And who would argue unless all you saw was Triton’s half of the first inning?
Ethan Hunt settled in after that rocky start hitting a homer and pitching Pentucket (1-2) to a 7-4 win over Triton (0-3) on Saturday morning at the Pines Athletic Field.
“I came out feeling a little iffy but then I settled in,” recalled Ethan.
Joe Abt (3 RBI) and Griff Dupuis drove across runs for the Vikings in the first inning as Ethan struggled to throw strikes.
But Pentucket responded quickly. After their first two batters (Trevor Kamuda & Kyle Ventola) got on, Ethan Hunt launched a 3-run shot to right that put the home team in front, 3-2.
“My hitting approach the whole game was middle-away,” said Ethan. “That home-run pitch was up and away.”
Triton fought back. A Joe Abt two-run double in the third inning returned Triton to the lead, 4-3.
Pentucket evened things on an infield error in the 5th as Trevor Kamuda scored the run.
Meanwhile, Ethan (the pitcher) had settled in. The UMass Boston commit ended up retiring the last twelve Vikings in order.
“He was pretty much lights out those last four innings,” said Coach Murray.
Ethan ended up with a 3-hitter striking out nine Vikings.
“I have been a pitcher who starts on the shaky end and then progresses well as the game goes on,” said Ethan. “My 12-6 was definitely on today. I found location for my fastball later on. Those two together kept hitters off-balance.”
Pentucket broke away from the tie with a three-run sixth inning as things fell apart for the Vikings. After a Max Ligols double, Bryce Winter’s sacrifice-bunt attempt turned into a hit when no one covered first base. Pinch-hitter Alex Robertson drove in the eventual game-winner with a wind-blown double to left and two wild pitches followed that allowed two more runs.
“The bunt was a big difference in the sixth inning,” said Triton coach Chris Lamothe. “We weren’t ready for it. It was my fault.”
“Tough loss but we battled,” he added. “Griff (Dupuis) gave us innings and kept them off-balance for a long time. We’re back at it on Monday against North Reading. DJ Watson will be pitching.”
Both teams entered the game looking for a W after two opening losses. “It feels really good to get the first win,” said Pentucket catcher Kyle Ventola. “We’ll build off this. I think we’ll have a great season.”
Coach Lamothe: “Their pitcher settled down for the last four innings. He dominated. He had his fastball and his breaking ball working. Not much we could do.”
Coach Murray: “Ethan settled in nicely. We did a good job of making plays behind him. He was throwing strikes. When that happens, it gives us a chance to win.”
Today was a cloudy day with a threat of rain. The wind is usually a factor at Pines. High popups are always an adventure.
Every time I’m at this park, I get flashbacks to its Pines Speedway past. I was there on occasion. I remember Ollie Silva and Bentley Warren. Okay, I’m old!
Triton 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 = 4
Pentucket 3 0 0 0 1 3 – = 7
(The pictures will enlarge.)
McClelland Miscellanea 