Putnam pg 9 6-21-12
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- Category: Past Issues
When the season began, coach John Foucault circled one game. He knew the matchup against Pomfret/Eastford would be a serious test for the Putnam squad. Both teams have a slew of solid pitchers and always hit the ball hard. To win, he would have to rely on his #1 pitcher Joshua Allard. With three games in 5 days, that wasn’t going to be easy. In order to matchup pitching aces with Pomfret/Eastford, Coach Foucault would have to rely on the bullpen against Killingly and Brooklyn.
June 11 Putnam welcomed Killingly to Murphy Park. Jacob Guertin got the start and pitched 3 solid innings striking out 5 batters before being relieved by Nicholas Foucault (2 IP, 5 K’s). Putnam had jumped out to a 5-0 lead on big hits by Jacob (3-4) and Josh (2-4). Killingly fought back by scoring three runs in the 4th inning. Jon Luc Cournoyer’s double in the fifth gave Putnam a lead that they would hold onto, en route to a 11-8 win. Steven Dakai (3-4,2 runs) came in to relieve Nicholas and picked up the win for Putnam. Guertin re entered the game in the final inning to earn a save on the mound. Putnam had improved to 4-0 and seemed ready to take on the Pomfret/Eastford team.
June 12 Pomfret/Eastford came to Murphy Park. Both teams know each other well. They have faced off many times in Little League, Middle School and now Junior League baseball. Coaches from both sides are aware of the talent on each team, and they respect it. There are no secrets, no surprises.
Under a deep blue sky Josh Allard took the mound for Putnam, ready to lead his team. Batter after batter he kept his opponents on their heels. He scattered 3 hits over 5 innings, striking out 4 batters. Josh also went 3 for 3 at the plate with a double to deep left field and scoring 4 runs. Steven Dakai (2-3,4 RBI) tripled over the right fielders head to score Josh at the start of the third inning. Jacob Guertin, Nick Foucault, Shawn Audet, Kristian Burke and Kyle Loomis also scored for Putnam. In the end, the Putnam bats were too much for Pomfret/Eastford as they cruised to a 10-0 win.
With Josh hitting his pitching limit, Putnam again turned to Guertin to start the final game of the week as Brooklyn came to town. Jacob went 5 innings, struck out 10 batters and got the win for Putnam. Josh Allard was 3-3 and scored 2 runs. Nick Foucault pitched in relief and also scored 2 runs. Kyle Ciquera banged out 2 hits, going 2 for 3 on the day. In the 5th inning Putnam broke a four-all tie, sending nine batters to the plate and scoring 5 runs. Shawn Audet walked and Kristian Burke singled to start the inning. Nick Foucault’s single loaded the bases. Consecutive errors on hits by Allard and Dakai plated 3 runs. Jay Hasset’s single drove in two more runs and put the game away for a 9-4 Putnam victory.
Putnam is now 6-0 and sits atop the Junior League standings. This week they play Willington, Woodstock and end the season June 23 with a double-header against Killingly.