From Staff Reports

The Central Catholic Eagles fell at home to Comeaux High School Tuesday in a game that literally went down to the last strike.

Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh, a CCHS batter struck out with the bases loaded to end the game.

The CCHS rally was shut down after Comeaux had broken a 3-3 tie in the top of the seventh inning with a run.

“We overcame adversity in the last inning and gave ourselves a chance,” CCHS coach Tyler Jensen said. “I'm proud of our kids for their effort and fighting until the last out.”

Bryson Barbier was tagged with the loss for CCHS. In one and two-thirds innings of relief, he surrendered one unearned run on a hit while striking out two.

Despite the loss, CCHS led much of the game, taking a 2-0 lead into the top of the sixth before Comeaux responded with three runs.

The Eagles responded with another run in the bottom of the inning to tie the game again.

“Losing this game hurt, basically because we were in control for (five and one-third) innings, but we will learn more from losing this game than winning it,” Jensen said. “We will face situations like this again this year, and we will be more prepared for it.”

Austin Autin also pitched for the Eagles. In five and one-third innings, he surrendered one earned run on two hits with two walks. He also struck out four.

“Austin Autin was phenomenal on the mound for us tonight,” Jensen said. “He did everything we could possibly ask of him. It really is a shame he couldn't pick up a win tonight. We played as hard as we (could) but just came up a little short.”

At the plate, Barron Courtney led the Eagles with a 2-for-3 performance with an RBI, while Eriq Blanchard also finished 1-for-4 with a double and a run.

Autin scored a run and drove in an RBI, while Josh Singleton finished 1-for-1 in the loss.

“We are getting better, and that’s what is important right now,” Jensen said. “Tip your hat to Comeaux for finding a way to get it done tonight. It was a good baseball game.”

The Eagles (4-4) will return to action on Thursday when they open play in the CCHS tournament with a 5:30 p.m. matchup against Vandebilt Catholic.

Berwick defeats

Riverside

The Berwick Panthers continued their early season dominance, defeating Riverside Academy Tuesday on the road, 7-3.

The Panthers scored in every inning except the first and fifth.

The game was called in the seventh inning due to darkness.

Berwick’s Matt Skelton had a two run homer in the second, while Lee Rhodes added a solo shot in the third. Skelton finished 2-for-3 with two RBI, while Rhodes finished 2-for-2 with an RBI.

Other BHS hitters included Nick Osburn, 1-for-3 with a double; and Trey Williams and Bobby Boudreaux, both 1-for-3.

On the mound, Brannon Melancon earned the win. In three and two-thirds innings of work, he surrendered two earned runs on four hits with four walks. He also struck out two.

Nick Duthu pitched two and one-third innings for the Panthers and surrendered one earned run on a hit as well as a walk. He struck out three.

Berwick (8-1) will return to action Thursday in the Chalmette Tournament.