By Chris McCarthy/Editor
Westbrook Christian head baseball coach Matt Kennedy noted before last Monday’s game against Glencoe that his 2013 Warrior squad might have a few question marks on offense.
Westbrook has no such issues on the mound and in the field.
Sparked by an efficient pitching effort by Mikhail Cazenave that was backed by crisp defense, the Warriors (2-3) posted a 4-0 shutout over Glencoe in Rainbow City.
Cazenave was in control from start to finish. In a complete-game performance, the senior righthander faced one above the minimum of 21 at-bats. In seven innings, he struck out six while allowing two hits and no walks.
Only one Yellow Jacket batter advanced past second base, and that was in the first inning. Following Daniel Otwell’s one-out single in the top of the fourth, Cazenave retired the final 10 Glencoe batters.
“Mikhail’s slated as out No. 1 pitcher this year, and he showed why tonight,” said Kennedy. “He had a good outing the last time he pitched but didn’t get any run support, and tonight he did. I don’t think he threw but 61 pitches, which is important.”
Catcher Jordan McCartney, who threw out three baserunners on steal attempts, helped Cazenave’s solid numbers in particular.
“We’re not going to score a lot of runs, so we have to play good defense,” said Kennedy. “Jordan really looked tonight of getting rid of the ball quickly (on the steal attempts) and not letting the ball get past him. I’m very glad to see that, because that frees us up to do some other things defensively.”
Cazenave received all the support he would require in the bottom of the second inning, when Blaine Beaird singled in McCartney and Jonathan Ford for a 2-0 lead.
Glencoe starter Hunter Nunally prevented further damage until his exit after five innings. Nunally allowed two hits and eight walks while fanning four.
The hosts tacked on a pair of insurance runs in the sixth when Clay Templeton’s base hit plated Alex Perkins and Tyler Pankey.
Beaird went 2-for-3 with two RBI, while Templeton went 1-for-3 with two RBI.
Jesse Brittain had the other Warrior hit.
Dalton Chambers had Glencoe’s other hit.
“Tonight we started two ninth graders and two 10th graders, so we’re young,” said Glencoe head coach Charlie Robertson. “We just have to work hard and get better.”