By Bob McPhee,Staff Writer
Editor’s note: Due to a production error, this story of

Friday’s contest was omitted.

LIVERMORE FALLS – The Livermore Falls High School baseball team had no problem meeting its objective in a Mountain Valley Conference game under sunny skies Friday afternoon.

The Andies’ offense erupted for four, two-run homers, including two by Brad Bryant, who also pitched a complete game in a 10-2 win over Dirigo.

Bryant, a senior, was a thorn in the Cougars’ paws on offense and defense. He collected three hits, scored two runs and had five runs batted in. On the mound, he surrendered three hits on under 80 pitches and struck out 10 batters.

“The main goal today was to get our bats going,” Andies coach Brian Dube said. “We needed to do that after Jay. Ryan DiPompo had really kept our batters off balance.”

Livermore Falls (1-1) entered the game with a chip on its shoulders after a 1-0 loss at Jay on Wednesday. Dirigo starter Gary Holman retired the first seven batters, but that feeling disappeared as the Andies batted around and scored four runs in the third inning. Carlton Lake walked, and with two outs, Bryant hit a pitch over the fence in right-center field. Dane Hanson and Tyler Cote (three hits) each had RBI singles.

“Things started to go our way in the third,” Bryant said. “Before that, Gary Holman was doing a good job against us. I just went up to the plate hoping to make contact and fortunately for me the ball carried.”

Dirigo (0-1), playing its season-opener, was full of pep after taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Kris Merrill and Jon Robbins each singled, and Merrill scored on an error. Spenser Berry added an RBI sacrifice fly. But the Cougars were unable to generate any additional offense until the seventh. Holman drew a walk, Merrill singled and Holman scored on a wild pitch.

“I was pleased with performance, especially on defense,” Dirigo coach Joe Knowlton said. “That was our focus for this game. I would have liked to have seen us create more situations, but we couldn’t get anybody on base. We hit the ball, but Bryant was the fastest pitcher these kids have seen so far, and I’m sure we’ll see more of the same against Jay on Monday.”

Dirigo turned two double plays, including one by right fielder Brandon Elliot to Chris Richards at first base. Jon Smith had four assists at third base. Levi Armandi (two hits, two runs scored) and Cote each had two-run homers in the Andies’ 11-hit attack.

“This team was upbeat and full of energy,” Bryant said. “It was the team cheering throughout the game that kept me focused on the mound.”