Ava Inesta ’22
EE Sports Writer

On Monday, May 9th, the Trumbull Eagles traveled across town to play the St. Joseph Cadets. Anytime these rivals face off, it’s always a competitive match up and this season it was definitely one to remember.

Junior Sean Francouer was starting on the mound for the Eagles with junior Scott Gell down at the plate.

Right off the bat, senior Jack Ligouri hit a solo homerun giving Trumbull an early lead of 1-0 in the top of the first inning. “I think this homerun really set the tone and sent the message that we’re here to play,” said senior captain Dylan Moran. 

Soon after in the top of the 2nd, the Eagles added a run to make the score 2-0. After St. Joes scored a run in the bottom of the 2nd inning, senior Dylan Moran responded with a solo homer to make the score 3-1 Eagles.

To break open the game up for the Eagles, senior Jack Ligouri struck for a second time with a 2-run double, extending the lead over St. Joseph to 5-1 in the 4th inning. 

In the 5th inning, senior Matt Cummings then came into the game to relieve Francouer. Cummings is up for the Ruden Report Fairfield County Bank player of the week voting poll for the week of May 9th after his recent pitching performance. 

By St. Joes scoring one a run in the 4th inning and two in the 5th, they were able to make the score 5-4 with Trumbull still leading at the start of the 7th inning.Trumbull being one out away from victory, the Cadets got a runner to second to then score on a passed ball by the Eagles. This sent the game into extra innings.

“It was really fun because we would score, they would score, then we would again, and so on. It was one of the most fun games I’ve ever been a part of,” said Moran. 

 In the 8th inning, both teams got on base, but never brought a run home. Senior captain Connor Johnston came in clutch with a throw to home plate from right field that saved a St. Joe’s runner from walking off the game. 

In the top of the 9th inning, senior Kevin Katragadda hit the go-ahead double that put Trumbull ahead 6-5. Senior Logan Huzi then returned to pitch the 9th inning after coming in for relief in the 7th. Trumbull sealed the win as well as Huzi earning his second win.

Of Trumbull’s 12 hits, junior Ryan Warner had two and senior Jack Ligouri with three.

 “It was overall great to come out with the win but there’s still stuff we can get better at. It was definitely one of those that shaves some years off your life.” said Dylan Moran.

This win extended the Eagles win streak to eight and improved their record to 11-4. The Eagles have about a week left of the regular season until playoffs and have some big matchups coming up. The Eagles are in the race to clinch a playoff spot so these next few matchups matter. The team will celebrate their 12 senior players at home against Brien McMahon on Friday, May 13.

Photo courtesy: Andrew Paskevitz