Baseball: Lewiston shuts out Edward Little

AUBURN — Starting pitcher Jeffrey Randall was in control throughout Lewiston’s 3-0 win over rival Edward Little on Monday at Auburn Suburban.

The hurler struck out five and held the Red Eddies (5-6) to five hits to earn the victory.

“You have to take it pitch-by-pitch, things will happen; I have good players behind me, good teammates,” Randall said.

Lewiston coach Chris Reed said the Blue Devils’ (5-5) defense backed up Randall’s strong outing by not creating too much trouble for themselves.

“We really didn’t make any mistakes,” Reed said. “All year long, we had outstanding pitching — especially from Jeffrey, he has been great all year. We have let ourselves down a number of times defensively, but tonight that didn’t happen.”

Edward Little coach Dave Jordan said the Red Eddies struggled to capitalize when they had opportunities.

“We got guys on base for certain situations, but I thought Jeffrey threw really well,” Jordan said. “The couple of balls we did hit hard, their outfielders tracked them really well. They were able to make plays, and we didn’t really advance anybody beyond second base. I think we had a guy on third base once or twice all game.”

DEVILS PLAY FROM AHEAD

Both teams’ first turns at-bat were ended when runners were caught trying to steal second base.

In the top of the first inning, Edward Little pitcher Campbell Cassidy tried to pick off Lewiston’s Michael Dymkoski at first base, then Edward Little first baseman Brady Vincent threw to second base to get Dymkoski out as he attempted to steal it.

Edward Little’s Pat Anthoine was thrown out at second by Dymkoski, Lewiston’s catcher, to end the bottom of the first.

Ethan Blue gave Lewiston a 1-0 lead in the top of the second with a triple to right field that scored Andon Cox from first base.

“I had a lot of confidence in a lot of batters that were behind me, so it was just a hit for the team,” Blue said. “Drive in runs, that’s what you do as a batter, and I was just batting for the team.”

Cassidy got the next two batters out to end the frame.

Blue’s hit was one of only two for the Blue Devils in the game, but they drew seven walks and two batters were hit by pitches.

Grabbing the lead gave Lewiston a sense of comfort, especially with how Randall was pitching.

“We have been chasing leads lately. It’s tough to play from behind,” Reed said. “It’s nice to get ahead and your pitcher is dealing, and there’s a little confidence there.”

‘WE GOT THE JOB DONE’

The Red Eddies’ first scoring opportunity came in the bottom of the third inning when Braden Paradie and Drew Smith reached base. Leadoff hitter Aiden Gonzalez dropped a bunt in front of the pitching mound, but Randall raced to scoop up the ball and got Paradie out at third on a fielder’s choice.

“We would of liked to have the bunt in a little better spot, it was right back to the pitcher,” Jordan said. “But, (Gonzalez) got it down and (Randall) made a nice play to get the guy out at third.”

Edward Little’s threat ended when Kam Masselli popped out to short right field, and Anthoine popped out to the first baseman Damon Bossie in foul territory.

“There were a few base runners, but we had it under control. I had to take a deep breath and take it pitch-by-pitch,” Randall said. “We got the job done.”

Dymkoski and Bossie led off the fourth inning with walks, but Cassidy got the net three batters out, fanning two and inducing a ground out.

TJ Kramarz belted a double to left field for the Red Eddies in the bottom of the fourth with one out, but he was stranded.

The Blue Devils plated their second and third runs after they loaded the bases in the top of the fifth.

First, Kameron Caron scored when Dymkoski was hit by a pitch. Joe Dube tried to score from third on a wild pitch during Damon Bossie’s at-bat but was thrown out at home. Edward Little intentionally walked Bossie to reload the bases, and Tanner Anctil scored when Cox reached on an error for a 3-0 lead.

Edward Little starter Campbell Cassidy was lifted in the inning and relieved by Brody Keefe. Cassidy pitched four-plus innings, striking out six, allowing one hit and walking six.

“I don’t know if (Cassidy) was putting extra pressure on himself to do more, but he did have a couple of spots in (the fifth) inning where he lost control, giving up a leadoff walk or something like that for a couple of innings, it comes back to get you eventually,” Jordan said.

The Red Eddies loaded the bases in the seventh inning but didn’t capitalize as the Blue Devils finished off a rivalry win.