The first district meeting between John Curtis and Holy Cross was a one-run game, but the second time around wasn’t nearly as close.
Holy Cross scored three runs in the first inning, but Curtis kept things close until Holy Cross broke through late. Holy Cross put six runs on the board in the sixth inning, leading to a 10-1 Tigers win Friday at Holy Cross to sweep the series.
Holy Cross improved to 17-0 overall and 2-0 in district play. The six-run sixth saw the Tigers deliver four hits and bat around the order.
"Really staying patient with at-bats," Holy Cross coach Kal Bonura said. "I think we've done a great job of that all year. Just stay patient, stay with the plan, and we believe sooner or later we'll break out. That's what happened tonight."
Holy Cross starting pitcher Matthew Watson was the winning pitcher, allowing only one run in six innings. The left-hander allowed six hits and three walks and had four strikeouts.
Holy Cross teammates cheer after Brody Forstall scores the first run of the game against Rummel during a baseball game at Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, Friday, April 12, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
Holy Cross' Matthew Watson (22) pitches against Rummel during a baseball game at Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, Friday, April 12, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
"(Watson) has been great all year," Bonura said. "He's been getting through lineups two or three times on minimal pitches and did it again tonight. Probably could've sent back out there for the seventh if we needed to, but we got the lead and decided to save some pitches for later on in the year."
Chris Sercovich scored the first run for Holy Cross on a wild pitch by Curtis starting pitcher Juan Washington, which was followed by a two-run home run by Greg Ruiz to put the Tigers up 3-0 in the bottom of the first.
Curtis scored in the top of the fourth after a Luke Martinez RBI single drove in Washington. Holy Cross responded that same inning with a Hayden Derbes RBI double that plated Ruiz, keeping the Tigers up by three runs.
Washington threw four innings, but the Patriots had to go deep into their bullpen. Five Patriots pitchers entered the game after Washington, including three in the sixth inning, and Holy Cross took advantage.
"I think most high school teams when you get into their bullpen, it's a little drop-off from the starters," Bonura said. "As high school teams, we don't have the arms to just keeping running out there. Anytime we get into the bullpen, we think it's a positive for our offense."
Holy Cross first baseman Roux Guerra started the sixth inning with a solo home run, but the most damage was done after a three-RBI double by shortstop Dom Pellegrin, driving in Colton Gerrets, Sercovich and Ryder Planchard. Pellegrin scored the sixth run of the inning on a Ruiz sacrifice fly.
"Just staying in my approach," Pellegrin said. "I work hard every day just staying through it. I know my team's got my back."
Holy Cross also displayed a strong defense that included several great throws and diving efforts. Sercovich delivered a highlight worthy diving catch in center field in the top of the seventh.
Next up for Holy Cross is a district matchup Tuesday against Brother Martin at home. Curtis (11-7) will look to bounce back at home Tuesday against St. Augustine.
