“Focused,” responded Boys’ Latin relief pitcher Grant Cohen when asked about teammate Mike Gillespie, who had pitched the first two innings for the Lakers in their 13-2 win over Mervo in the opening round of the inaugural President’s Cup Saturday morning.
Gillespie recorded seven strikeouts in his two innings of play, a feat that had yet to be accomplished this spring. Gillespie had struck out the first three batters in the first inning, and to begin the second with another K. The final strike, however, got free for a passed ball and the batter successful reach first base. Unphased, Gillespie bore down and struck out two more batters in succession to accomplish something very rare on any level of baseball.
Leading the charge for the Lakers with Gillespie were captains Jack Durkee and Zach Davis, both whom reached base on every at bat. Davis, who will be attending Colgate University next fall for soccer, has emerged as a strong designated hitter for the rebuilding Lakers.
Boys’ Latin who moves to 4-6 on the season under coach Bob Greenwell, faces MIAA A Conference opponent Mount St. Joseph (4-6) next Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Swann Park. The winner will move on the championship at Oriole Park at Camden Yards at 1 p.m. that same afternoon.
