By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAFITTE – Riverside coach Britt Waguespack has been steadfast in his feeling that his Rebels have been on the verge of breaking through and out, just as they did a year ago in their run to the state quarterfinals.

The team’s recent play seems to be backing those feelings up.

After falling to district foe St. Charles in three consecutive games two weeks ago, Riverside recharged and regrouped to capture a pair of victories, one over Class 5A Central Lafourche last Saturday in Reserve, 5-4, and another at Class 2A Fisher on Tuesday, 14-1. Each were non-district games.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, but now we’re in the second half,” said Waguespack. “We’ve felt all along that this thing was a time bomb waiting to explode. We’re playing good defense, the bats have come along. At this point, you need to be peaking.”

Despite the Rebels 6-15-1 record, the team entered its weekend district series with Curtis ranked sixth in power points thanks to a tough schedule that’s seen the Rebels face numerous heavy hitters.

Riverside led Fisher (15-6) 3-0 after two innings on Tuesday before their vats truly came alive. The Rebels scored 11 runs over the third and fourth innings to close the game out in five by the 10-run rule.

“We swung the bats well and didn’t give them a chance to get back in it,” said Waguespack. “We threw Tate at them and he got right after it. He shuts it down in the first inning, we get four hits off the bats and we kind of took their legs out early.”

Austin Vicknair went 2-for-4 with a grand slam and a double. Bryant Tassin was 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Chase Bazile was 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles.

“The biggest thing early was we just lacked those timely hits. Now we’re hitting it well with people on,” said Waguespack.

Tate Scioneaux went four innings for Riverside, allowing no runs and two hits. He struck out five.

Riverside shook off a Central Lafourche (11-11-1) rally to answer in the sixth inning and take a 5-4 win at home.

Vicknair was 2-for-3 with a home run. Dylan Martin was 2-for-3 with a double, and Bazile went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

Martin notched the win on the mound after coming on in relief for Ritchie Terrio. He went 2.2 innings and allowed no runs and a hit. He struck out four. Terrio allowed four runs on four hits, striking out three.

“It was a big win. It’s always good to beat a 5A school,” said Waguespack. “They were 18 in power rankings going in.

“We knew it was our only game all week. We were coming off of a rough series and were well-rested and ready to go.”