We mentioned in our season preview that the Moore League schedule is short.  So short in fact, that an opening game could mean the difference between first and second place—even a playoff spot.  Twelve games to take the ML crown.  And like Lakewood coach Spud O’Neil said after the Lakewood Lancers stopped the Wilson Bruins, 5-2, at Blair Field last night, “practice games are practice games, the season just started.”

In the opener, it was O’Neil’s Lancers setting the tone as senior Matt Duffy went the distance and first baseman Steven Luna went 2-for-2 with two doubles and two RBI.  Wilson starter Josh Perez pitched well after giving up two in the opening inning, but big defensive plays behind Duffy killed any chance for a Bruin comeback.

Duffy faced the minimum batters through three innings because of two double plays in the second and third. 

Lakewood started fast in the first when Anthony Razo singled and moved over on Jeff Yamaguchi’s ground ball.  Duffy got hit with a pitch and David Peters’ single made it 1-0 before a hot shot and an error off the bat of Steven Luna made it 2-0.

After Duffy got out of another jam with one of his seven K’s in the top of the fourth, a sac fly from Tyler Schultz ran the score to 3-0.  Duffy used the momentum and tossed only seven pitches in the fifth before striking out the side in the sixth.  The Bruins added two in the seventh, but it was too little too late.

“I won’t lie, I was pretty nervous today,” said Duffy after his second CG of the year.  “But once I got out there I was settled… we got a chance to play our game.”

That game is getting ahead, using good pitching to keep it like that, and coach O’Neal liked what he saw, “That win sets the tone for the season, especially since they’re a rival.”

Check out the VIDEO HIGHLIGHT and these photos by Stephen Dachman…