RUMFORD – Spencer Ross smashed a bases-clearing triple as the Dirigo Cougars erupted for eight runs in the sixth inning and Ryan Lafleur pitched six innings in a come-from-behind 10-4 baseball triumph against previously unbeaten Mountain Valley.

The two rivals had settled in to a competitive game, but Dirigo changed the atmosphere completely by sending 12 batters to the plate.

The offensive onslaught stunned the Falcons.

Dirigo (7-3), ranked third in class C, finally received the key hits it had been lacking. The big inning transpired after Falcon starter Matt Laubauskas walked the bases full and was relieved by Connor Blais. The Cougars received a break on a throwing error, scoring Aaron Fenstermacher. Ross, the No. 9 batter, hit a ball to the gap in right-center field to score James Moulton, Lafleur and Eric Bolduc.

“I was looking for a fast ball from Connor all the way,” Ross said. “It feels really good to do well in this rival game.”

The bleeding continued as Tyler Chiasson hit an RBI-double and Tyler Gates had a run-scoring single. Fenstermacher singled and Mouton smashed a two-run triple.

“This was a big come back,” Dirigo coach Dave Lafleur said. “We were being too impatient at the plate, so (coaches) told them to be patient and go with the pitch. It worked because we hit four balls to right field. Ryan Lafleur pitched a gutsy game and this was a team effort.”

Class B Mountain Valley (7-1), ranked third, had scored three runs in the first inning against Moulton. Garrett McPherson grounded out, but Cam Kaubris and Matt Laubauskas singled. Justin Staires hit an RBI-single and Alex Gagnon reached on a fielder’s choice. DH Ryan Laubauskas smashed a two-run single. Lafleur threw six innings and was effective immediately, allowing one hit, with a sharp breaking ball and a sneaky fast ball. The junior retired nine of 11 batters, and picked a pinch runner off first base in the fifth. With two outs, Kaubris walked, stole second and scored on a Matt Laubauskas RBI-single.

“This feels great,” Lafleur said. “They told me to be ready to pitch, and when I came in I was (mentally) ready. Mountain Valley has some guys who can hit the ball, but I had a great defense behind me.”

Dirigo had scored two runs in the first on Moulton’s RBI-ground out and Lafleur’s RBI-single. Gates had singled and Fenstermacher reached on an error that prolonged the inning.

“I was impressed by Lafleur because he came in and pitched well,” Mountain Valley coach Steve LaPointe said. “Matt (Laubauskas) threw well, but this team still needs to prove that we can hit a quality pitcher. Dirigo came back and deserved this game, but I’m not worried because the effort and attitude is still on this team and that’s all I care about.”