Former LSU Tiger Guy Rutlidge coaches 11 & 12 year old St. John squad

By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

GARYVILLE – St. John Parish has never had a little league state champion. But with four different age groups qualified for next weekend’s district II Louisiana title game, that may soon change.

&#8220I think we’ve got a good shot,” said St. John Little League official Todd Millet. &#8220Each of these teams is pretty good in their own right and at least one of them should make it. We’ll be playing against some tough teams, but we’ve got four chances. Anything could happen.”

On Tuesday, the 11 & 12 year old squad took on Mid-Parish of Hammond in Garyville for the chance to advance to the Louisiana championship in Baker next weekend. With Lawrence Pastureau on the mound, St. John made quick work of the Hammond team. Pastureau went four innings while giving up only one hit before the game was called by the mercy rule at a 12-1 score.

Pastureau helped on the offensive side as well, recording a triple in one of his at-bats. He was joined as a threat from the batter’s box by Jeff Hall who tripled once and reached base in every trip to the plate.

&#8220Jeff is the leadoff hitter,” said Vice President of St. John Little League Perry Tamplain, &#8220and he made it to the bag every time. He just did a really good job every time he got the opportunity.”

Also recording some time on base for St. John were Neil Tamplain, and John Trosclair who each hit a double.

The team is coached by former LSU pitcher Guy Rutlidge. Rutlidge will be taking his team into Baker to face South Lake Charles.

&#8220[South Lake Charles] is one of the elite teams in the state,” said Tamplain. &#8220I think we have a pretty good chance even considering the talent that they have. Last year we won our district and got to play a Louisiana team that wound up in the World Series taking third place. These boys are working extremely hard right now. They’re doing two-a-days so it’s definitely a serious thing.”

Joining the 11 & 12 year olds heading to Baker next weekend, the 7 & 8 year old squad, the 13 & 14 year olds and the 15 & 16 year olds are still alive. They will be heading, respectively, to Jonesboro, Bunkie and Bossier City. The Little League World Series is set for August in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.