Cougar teams triumph at Madison

MADISON -- It was high times for the Dirigo baseball and softball teams, who each came alive Saturday afternoon to sweep its Mountain Valley Conference games.

Spencer Ross banged out five hits and Cody St. Germain pitched a complete game in an 11-3 triumph against Madison. On an adjacent field, the Lady Cougars rallied and Tasha DeRoche drove home Aylssa Wade in the top of the eighth inning for a 11-10 win. There was concerns it was down pouring, but play continued.

Dirigo’s offense started strong as Ross hit the first of his two triples and a 7-0 lead after three innings held up. Ross, a designated hitter, had four RBI and scored two runs.

”Spencer Ross had a game,” said Dirigo coach Ryan Palmer, on setting the tone. “He's a very disciplined hitter and is the epitome of what it takes to be a great leadoff hitter."

Ben Holmes and Ross each had two-run singles. Justin Conant two hits. TJ Frost (RBI), Caleb Turner and Jake Dowland each scored two runs.

St. Germain established control directly with 20 pitches in first three innings, and didn’t allow a Bulldog to reach base until the fourth inning. The junior scattered four hits, had six strikeouts and didn’t allow an earned run. The Cougars held strong and center fielder Arik Fenstermacher threw to Dowland for a game-ending double play.

“Cody had a hell of a game," said Palmer. “By pitching all seven innings, he gave the rest of our pitching staff some extended rest. He kept the ball down and his curveball was mechanically sound and buckled some knees.”

The Lady Cougars made their own breaks and it paid off. In the extra frame, Wade (winning pitcher) reached on a fielder's choice for the second out, but while Madison celebrated, she alertly stole second. DeRoche blooped a single to left for the run.

“I was nervous,” said DeRoche, who had four hits, including a homer. “It was an intense game."

Dirigo had dug itself into a hole because Madison scored nine runs in the bottom of the first inning.