By ROBERT L. LEE

LAPLACE – Baseball’s regular season is beginning to wind down, with most teams facing about eight or nine remaining games before the probable post season. With the top-ranked district foe Lutcher Bulldogs waiting at the gate, St. Charles Catholic head coach Paul Waguespack said he hopes to get in a couple good practices for the Comets’ next round of district play.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve only got eight or nine games left in the regular season, it’s almost done,” said Waguespack.

He explained the Comets have a few good wins under their 10-6 belt, counting the “too easy” win Monday against Ridgewood. Although coaches routinely preach not to look ahead to another game before you play the one coming up next, Waguespack said he knew in advance the Comets would need time to practice after a four-day break, before facing the Bulldogs Thursday.

“Everybody’s chasing Lutcher. We’ve got to play well to have a chance,” he continued.

“We’re going to fine tune some things and get ready to take our chances.”

One of their best chances will come from the mound, as Jason Waguespack is expected to open on the mound again against the Bulldogs. Waguespack pitched opposite Lutcher’s Randy Waguespack, who struck out seven batters and allowed two hits in his almost six innings of play during the teams’ last meeting. The Comets’ Waguespack pitched a complete game, striking out 11 and allowing four hits and one earned run.

Both teams had entered St. Charles Catholic’s field fighgting for first place in distrit and a 4-0 district record.

Waguespack said the Comets will have to win at least two of their next three games if they want a chance at a playoff berth.

“We’ve got to at least split the next two games and that’s not an easy task. There’s no doubt I think we’ll be ready when we go to Lutcher, although it may not be enough,” he admitted.

The Comets received a crushing loss the last time they faced the Bulldogs in LaPlace and will have to give it their all Thursday in Lutcher. As far as the following games with E.D. White and St. James, the Comets beat the Cardinals in their last two meetings and are 1-1 with the Wildcats.

“I’m a little worried with Lutcher, but we’ll roll the dice and see what we can do,” said Waguespack.