LaSalle Sends Signal In 7-1 Win Against Archbishop Carroll

The LaSalle Royal Lions started off their season with a bang, beating the Archbishop Carroll Bulldogs by a score of 7-1 in the Adidas Diamond Classic. The game was filled with a lot of action offensively. The two teams combined for 14 hits and nine walks.

The first run came in the top of the second inning when Sal Lorenzo of Archbishop Carroll connected to bring John Leon into score, who had started the inning off with a double down the left field line. Alex Gonzalez and Chris Fernandez were each able to turn their at bats into hits that inning as well, but the Royal Lions pitcher Gabriel Partridge kept them from scoring.

“It felt good to get the first start of the season,” said Gabriel Partridge. “We started off a little slow offensively, but as the game progressed we made adjustments and I knew my team had my back.”

His team definitely did have his back on both sides of the ball. Defensively, they looked as solid as a team could look. Offensively, they did their part.

The Royal Lions got things started in the bottom of the third inning with fundamental baseball. Brad McCormick began the inning with a walk after a hard fought at bat. He then got moved over thanks to a sacrifice bunt laid down by Stephano Major. Daniel Rodriguez then showed his patience at the plate and drew a walk to set up an RBI single by Santos Grande.

The Bulldogs showed some life in the top half of the fourth. Lizandro Echemendia was able to get on base due to an infield error, before stealing second base. Sal Lorenzo then drove one into left, moving Echemendia to third. They were unable to score any runs that inning, though, as the Royal Lions were able to keep them in check.

Both the fourth and fifth innings were big for the Royal Lions. They scored five runs between the two innings, the first run coming off the bat of Brian Garcia. Garcia drove in Jesus Villacis and moved Angel Marcano to third, both of which began the inning with a pair of hits. McCormick then followed through with an RBI single into left field that brought in Marcano.

The bottom of the fifth inning was one that the Royal Lions simply stole. They were awarded three straight walks that brought one run in after the first batter of the inning reached on an error. Later in the inning, Joseph Fortuny knocked one into left driving in Marcano and McCormick.

The bottom of the sixth was highlighted by a rocket off the bat of Villacis that made its way well over the center fielder, bringing in Draquan Jones who was pinch running for George Fernandez.

“It felt great hitting the way I did today,” said Villacis. “We practice hard every day, so it was great to see our hard work pay off.”

Bulldogs manager Andy Blanco wished the outcome would have been different, but was happy with the way his guys played offensively.

“We swung the bats well,” Blanco said. “I definitely think we will be competitive this year and make some noise as the season continues.”

Royal Lions manager Hernan Adames was satisfied with the win but admits that his players must get better in executing with runners in scoring position.

“We were able to be successful against good pitching today,” said Adames. “I was not satisfied with the way we hit with men on second and third, so we must work to improve that as a team.”

The Bulldogs hope to get their first win of the season Thursday as they are set to play the Homestead Broncos. The Royal Lions are eager to continue winning when they square up against the Champagnat Lions.

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