By Ryan Arena

L’Observateur

West St. John earned its first win of the season in dominant fashion Saturday, toppling Donaldsonville 19-1 in three innings.

“It’s a weight off our shoulders,” said WSJ coach Lennix Madere. “The boys are happier now that we’ve got a win. It’s always easier to come to practice after you’ve won one.”

The Rams (1-3) scored 11 first inning runs, then tacked on three in the second and five in the third before the game was called by the 15-run rule.

Madere noted Donaldsonville’s lack of pitching experience, something his team is no stranger to this season.

“They’re in the same situation we’re in,” he said. “I understand that kind of frustration. They’ve got some good looking kids out there, but they don’t have the experience on the mound yet.”

Donaldsonville walked the first five Ram batters of the game, getting the Rams started and allowing them to land an early knockout.

Pitching wasn’t a problem for WSJ on Saturday. Sophomore Devon Jackson pitched three quality innings to earn the victory.

“He’s going to keep getting better each time he pitches. He hasn’t even thrown 40 innings in his career,” said Madere. “Last year, he played a little in the outfield for us. Now, he’s been pushed into the limelight.”

Barry Hanson led the Rams at the plate. He was 2-for-2 with four RBIs.

“I’ve been telling him that when a pitcher is struggling, he’s got to make them pay,” Madere said. “He hit with authority, and we need him to continue.”