BUCS POUND LAREDO IN TWINBILL SWEEP

Buccaneers explode for 19 runs against Laredo 

The Blinn baseball team exploded to a doubleheader sweep over the Laredo Palominos at Leroy Dreyer Field Friday night.

After taking the opener 5-3, the Blinn offense run-ruled the Palominos 19-0 in the nightcap.

“I think it all started in Game 1 because we getting some great at-bats with two strikes,” Blinn (12-8) coach Harvey McIntyre said. “And that led to some big innings in Game 2.”

The Bucs pounded out 16 hits that included a three-run home run by sophomore first baseman Cullen Gassaway and a two-run double by Christian Thames. By the end of the third, Blinn held a 13-0 lead.

Every batter in the Bucs starting lineup got on base, led by freshman third baseman Caden Williams’ 2-for-4, two-run, two-RBI performance.

James Duval, Reed Robinson, Cullen Jozwiak, Jose Reyes and Stephen Stuart each had two hits. Thames and Gassaway each scored three runs.

Laredo never got anything going offensively as sophomore ace Robbie Dickey threw a two-hitter through six innings, striking out 11.

“The impressive thing about Robbie tonight was that even with a big lead, he went out and executed every pitch,” McIntyre said.

Of Dickey’s 76 pitches, 56 were for strikes.

Nick Melvin threw an inning of relief and allowed one hit and a walk.

Blinn took the early advantage in the first game off RBI knocks by Gassaway and Williams. The Bucs led 4-0 before Laredo scored three runs in the top of the fifth. Williams hit a solo shot in the bottom half of the frame to give Blinn a cushion.

Williams even got the start in Game 1. Making his first start of the year, the freshman right-hander tossed 5 2-3 innings of two-run ball. He allowed five hits, struck out eight and walked three.

Cole Doherty closed out the game with 1 1-3 innings of relief. He allowed a run on three hits, a strikeout and a walk.

The teams close out the four-game series tomorrow at Leroy Dreyer Field. Game time has been pushed to noon due to potential for rain later in the day.

“We played well in all phases tonight,” McIntyre said. “The key now is to go out and get two wins tomorrow.”

For more information on Blinn baseball, visit www.buccaneersports.com.

 (Story & photos courtesy: Matt Keyser, Blinn Information)