By ROBERT L. LEE

One boys’ game and one girls’ game stand out from this week, for its pitching from three or the teams, the talent to accurately drive the ball like a guided missile and the strategy fueling all variables on the fields.

It is only by a matter of coincidence, really, that these are also the lead stories in this section.

The matchup between the Hahnville Tigers and the Destrehan Fighting Wildcats, as well as the Lady Rebels’ shut out over Newman embodied all areas of true baseball games. Yes I know the Lady Rebels play softball but that’s just a technicality in my book.

First, and only because two home teams were involved, judging by the enthusiasm and quantity of the fans who weren’t just sitting and watching, but standing and cheering, the fans in Destrehan knew beforehand the potential energy waiting to be released from the diamond.

With such a history of success and feverous rivalry shared between the schools in all sports, as well as the balance of talented players and coaches those qualities bring, it was only a matter of time before on hit, one pitch or one call gave one team the deciding edge.

Although the game did not keep the three bleachers of fans standing the full seven innings, the level of suspense and strategy kept everyone there in the bleachers. For the hometown crowd, or at least the ones who drove five minutes instead of 10, the top of the first inning was an immediate shot of hope and excitement. Pitcher Andrew Lassere led off for the Fighting Wildcats, facing three batters for a clean three outs. Successfully making the Hahnville faithful happy and proving they were, at least, evenly matched, the Tigers allowed only one hit from four Destrehan batters. The first inning set the tone for the ensuing six, and what almost became numerous extra innings. The Tigers saw their opportunity on a hit to left field and in a flash, instinct sent two runners in full stride across home plate for the 2-0 lead. However, the immediate response to gain bases cost the Tigers their third out when Rustin Rebowe made the tag at third base. Simply put, the matchup had the primal underlining which would make their mascots proud.

Second, over in Reserve, a 10-0 win in six innings shows exactly what a team can do when everything falls into place.

Sure Newman had more than their share of errors at first and home, and a few from the mound, but the Riverside performance was essential for putting their girls in scoring position. Newman’s errors were all split-second mistakes, which, against a lesser team, would not have given up 10 or 11 points.

ROBERT L. LEE is the sports editor, you may contact him at 985-652-9545.