Baseball: Lakers succumb to Clippers, exit postseason

YARMOUTH—No. 9 Lake Region picked up a 1-0 lead to begin their B South Prelim at No. 8 Yarmouth on Tuesday, June 4: Mark Mayo doubled to bring home Cody Allen in the top of the first for the run. Alas, the Clippers would inch ahead as the innings elapsed, and ultimately eke out a 2-1 victory.

Yarmouth initially threatened to score in the bottom of the first, but props go to LRHS shortstop Erik Christiansen here: When Romano clubbed a bouncy grounder in Christiansen’s direction with one man already on base, Christiansen leapt, grabbed the ball, tagged second and hurled to first for a 4-3 double-play to end the inning in style.

The Clippers finally managed to even things up at one-all in the third: A Lakers pick-off attempt missed its mark and gave Yarmouth an opportunity to get a man across the plate. Then, in the fourth, John Romano, Jack McGrath and Will Cox opened the Clippers’ ups with a trio of rapid-fire singles; John Jordan followed Cox into the box and belted a hit up the first baseline, scoring Romano.

Besides Mayo’s double, Allen had one as well. He also pitched for the Lakers, giving up just five hits and one earned run, and notching five Ks.

Yarmouth played a bit cleaner through the contest, it’s worth noting: The Clippers recorded one error, vs. the Lakers’ four.

Lake Region finishes their season at 8-9 – a shade under .500, yes, but significantly better than their 2018 record, a 5-11 tally that left them well back from the bracketing. On the whole, the program appears to be headed in the right direction – so stay hungry, Lakers fans.

Further coverage of LRHS: vs. Cape on April 16.

Adam Birt can be reached at abirt@keepmecurrent.com. Follow him on Twitter: @CurrentSportsME.