Bonny Eagle’s baseball team gathered for a photo following its victory Thursday against Portland, and not just because it was the Scots’ first win of the season.
“This is always a game we look forward to, especially for the seniors,” Bonny Eagle Coach Chris Leavitt said after a 6-1 victory. “It’s really nice to come (to Hadlock Field) and get a win. We’ve had a rough go (to start the season) and we needed it.”
The Scots (1-2) took an early lead and got three hits and a tremendous defensive play from senior right fielder Trevor Perkins in support of senior pitcher Cam Marcello, who held Portland to five hits.
Bonny Eagle struck quickly against Portland starter Liam Fay-LeBlanc. Ryan Berry led off by doubling down the right-field line. Kyle Blaney singled to left, with Berry holding at third, then stole second. Rhyse Owens hit a one-out sacrifice fly to center, Cade Dixon doubled to deep right with two outs, driving home Blaney for a 2-0 advantage.
The Scots added another run in the second, as Aiden Toy reached second on a throwing error, moved to third on a single by Perkins and scored on Berry’s sacrifice fly. A nice running catch from Portland center fielder Reegan Buck prevented more damage.
After leaving the bases loaded in the third, Bonny Eagle returned extended its lead in the fourth. Perkins reached on a bloop single, stole second, moved to third on a groundout and scored on Blaney’s groundout.
Portland had a chance to score in the bottom of the fourth after shortstop Henry Bibeau doubled. One out later, Fay-LeBlanc singled sharply to right, but Perkins delivered a perfect throw to the plate for the out.
“I just came around (the ball), scooped it, saw (the runner) round third, and as soon as I released it, I knew I had him,” Perkins said.
Bonny Eagle put it away in the top of the sixth. Toy beat out an infield single, Perkins singled to right, then Berry beat out a bunt single to load the bases before Blaney singled through the drawn-in infield to score two and make it 6-0.
The Bulldogs got a run back in the bottom half on a throwing error, but Marcello closed it out in the seventh, striking out Jacob Johnson and Buck to end it.
“I was amped, definitely,” said Marcello, who struck out 10. “My curveball worked for me, working outside. I wanted to go the distance and I knew I would.”
Portland fell to 0-2 after committing three errors.
“We’ve got some young guys without a lot of varsity experience and they’re learning on the hot seat,” said Kevin Winship, the Bulldogs’ first-year coach. “It’s going to take a little time before we settle in and hopefully find some success.”
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