Blazers eliminate Wolfpack with 13-6 victory
May 05, 2006
Shreveport, LA---The Belhaven Blazers avoided elimination Thursday afternoon at the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament by defeating the Loyola University Wolfpack 13-6.
The Blazers pushed across two runs in the top of the 1st inning off Wolfpack starter Danny Gonzalez. Shawn Anderson led off the inning by reaching first after David Lauricelle bobbled a catch at first base which started the BC rally. Thomas Royals and Ricky Owens followed with RBI doubles accounting for the two Blazer runs.
BC took advantage of a two out error by Wolfpack second baseman Marc Jaynes which allowed two runners to score which stretched the lead to 4-0 after the 2nd inning.
LU pushed a run across in the bottom of the second after Jaynes blasted a solo homerun off Royals, cutting the lead to 4-1.
The Wolfpack however continued their defensive struggles in the top of the 3rd as they committed three errors which led to a six run Blazers outburst. Royals highlighted the inning with a two RBI triple to left field, and the Blazers led 10-1 after three innings.
Lu added a solo run in the bottom of the 4th cutting the lead to 10-2, and took advantage of a BC error in the bottom of the 5th to get back in the ball game. With runners on first and second with one out, Royals got a ground ball that looked like it was destined for an inning ending double play, but Blazers second baseman dropped the ball at second base which loaded the bases for Wolfpack senior Lauricella.
Lauricella brought the Wolfpack to within four runs as he blasted a grand slam over the left field fence off Royals cutting the BC lead to 10-6.
In the bottom of the 7th, LU’s Bryan Mason belted a line drive to left field that was destined for extra bases with two runners on, but left fielder Bryan Bennett made a spectacular running grab to end the inning, and maintained the BC 10-6 lead.
Wolfpack reliever Stephen Ratasky held the Blazers scoreless from the 4th through 7th innings, but three walks and two hits in the 8th led to a three run inning giving the Blazers a 13-6 lead.
Chris Norris came on in relief of Royals in the 8th for BC and posted scoreless 8th and 9th innings to preserve the 13-6 Blazers victory.
Royals completed 7.0 innings pitched allowing six runs (five earned) on ten hits while striking out five. He also led the Blazers offense with a 3-5 performance which included two doubles, a triple, two runs scored, and five RBI. Forrest Rollins was perfect at the plate going 4-4 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Ricky Owens was 2-6 with a double and an RBI.
Lauricella continued to lead the Wolfpack on the field going 4-5 which included a 5th inning grand slam. Bryan McCaulley and Kevin Fontenot added two hits a piece, while senior shortstop Andy Rodriguez was 1-3 with a walk.
The 13-6 loss spells the end of the 2006 season for the Wolfpack who proved what a class team and program they are by fighting through a very tough, yet very successful season. The GCAC would like to wish the best of luck to the Wolfpack senior class which includes David Lauricella, Trey Fury, and David Lauricella.
The Blazers will have to wait for the rest of Day 2 results to determine who they will play Friday. Stay tuned for up-to-date action and results by visiting http://www.gcactournament.com/.
