By Ron P. Coderre

The postponements from earlier in the season caused by cold and inclement weather and the recent prolonged rains has created a rush situation for all teams as they attempt to squeeze in remaining games prior to tournament time.  

Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Woodstock Academy and Putnam all played four games in a busy week.  Ellis Tech, believe it or not, played an unusual five games in the span of six days.  The games left coaches scratching their heads wondering where the pitching would come from.  Tourtellotte went anemic offensively, scoring only three runs in four games and going 0-4 on the week.  Putnam and Woodstock posted 1-3 weeks, while the Golden Eagles of Ellis Tech were 3-2.

Plainfield and Killingly, who managed to avoid the bad weather earlier each played twice.  The Redmen lost both games, while the Panthers were a perfect 2-0.  The preps, Marianapolis and Pomfret had light schedules.

Ellis Tech and Plainfield are both qualified for CIAC postseason play, surpassing the mandatory eight victories required for entry.  Tourtellotte, Woodstock, Putnam and Killingly are very much on the bubble.  The Tigers, the Centaurs and the Redmen will require a miracle to qualify, while Putnam seems poised to sneak into the tourney.

Ellis Tech Playing Well

Ellis Tech a team that’s generally not a baseball power is enjoying a winning season as the Golden Eagles are 10-6 on the season and 8-1in the Constitution State Conference – East.  In a week that featured five games the Techmen opened on a down note losing to Windham of the Eastern Connecticut Conference 6-2.  

The Golden Eagles bounced back with hard fought 3-1 over CSC – East opponent Norwich Tech.  The win propelled Ellis Tech into first place in the division and assured them a spot in the CIAC postseason.  Tech pitcher Brandon Bastien was immense on the mound, going the distance for the win.  Jacob Hart delivered the key blow of the contest when he doubled to right centerfield driving in Harrison Basley with the go-ahead run, a lead they would not relinquish.

In a contest best described as a first round knockout the Golden Eagles pummeled CSC –East foe Parish Hill 32-0.  Saige Louis, who scored five runs, opened the contest with an inside the park homerun, setting the tone for the game.  Louis and Brett Ravenelle each recorded five hits in the win.  Darius Devanny went the distance for the win, striking out 13 along the way.

Next up was Bacon Academy of the ECC.  The Bobcats bested Ellis Tech 6-3 in a game played in Colchester.  The Techmen concluded the week with a big win over CSC – East opponent Putnam.  Caleb Deslauriers pitched a complete game in the 12- 1 victory with a dozen strikeouts.   Chuck Innes (four hits) and Hart (three hits and three RBI) propelled the Golden Eagle offense to the win.

Following its morning loss to Ellis Tech the Putnam Clippers lost an afternoon contest to visiting Plainville 15-1 as the team managed only two hits.  The Clippers opened the week on a high note, beating Grasso Tech 19-4 but it was all downhill after that contest.  Mitchel Barylski led a trio of hitter with three hits to go with his five runs-batted-in.  Zach and Cutler Cole Davagian also posted three hit days in the win.  Prior to its doubleheader loss on Saturday, Putnam was also beaten by Windham Tech 5-2.  The Clippers are 6-10 and 4-5 in the CSC – East.

Plainfield raised its record to 10-6 with a pair of victories over local teams.  The Panthers rode the strong arm of Dylan Horn in shutting down Woodstock Academy 10-0.  Izaiah Thompson and Jeff Nicolosi provided the offensive fire power for Horn.  

In its only other game Plainfield defeated ECC – Medium Division opponent Killingly 5-1.  David Carpenter and Colby Greenhalgh were the hitting stars for the Panthers who stand at 5-2 in the Medium.  The Redmen are 4-10 overall and 1-6 in the ECC – Medium.  Killingly lost its other game a 3-2 heart breaker to East Lyme.

Following a big 2-1 win over Ledyard, Woodstock Academy fell three times in a four-game week.  Evan O’Connor tallied the winning run for the Centaurs when he raced home on a wild pitch for the walk-off victory.  David Redfield tossed a gem in picking up the win on the hill.

In addition to its loss to Plainfield, Woodstock was shutout 2-0 by Norwich Free Academy and fell 4-1 to Fitch.  The Centaurs are 5-11 on the season and 2-6 in the ECC – Large.  They need to pick up three wins in their final four games to qualify for the CIAC Tournament.

Tourtellotte’s bat took a vacation as the Tigers lost all four games in a dismal week.  They were shutout 7-0 by St. Bernard to open the week and followed that contest with losses to Lyman (12-1), Windham (10-1) and Griswold (7-1).  The Tigers are 5-9 on the year and 1-7 in the ECC – Small and need three wins in their final six games to move into the postseason.

Marianapolis had a 50-50 week on the diamond, losing to Providence Country Day 5-2 and rebounding with 10 hits in a 13-3 win over Beaver Country Day.  

 

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