Mount Vernon baseball played its first game in two years without starting catcher Kyle Quigley on Tuesday night and were shut out 11-0 by Washington-Lee after five innings. Quigley, who was a second team All-District player last year, was hit in the head with a bat in practice on Monday evening. He received ten stitches and will be out at least three games. Catching in his place was senior Pat Reamy who struggled behind the plate.
"We're in a rebuilding process," said Majors Coach Luke Sable. "We lost some key seniors last year, some were pitchers, and we've been struggling."
Two games into the season, Sable still has yet to decide who will top his rotation. Junior Justin Boutin started on the mound and threw 53 pitches through three innings before walking the first batter of the fourth and was then pulled from the game. Boutin had command over his fastball and splitter, but struggled with the placement of his curveball and changeup.
After the game Sable had his team running sprints. He feels that with a few harder practices, and another game or two, the Majors will find the confidence and cohesion to put together a string of wins and turn the season around.
"[This is] a real test of character," said Majors third baseman Logan Beougher. "But I trust our coaching staff and we buy into their plan. That will take us somewhere."
On the other side, Austin Evans tossed a two-hit shutout for Washington-Lee. His curve and fastball were a bit high at times, but he did a great job of mixing up speeds and keeping the Majors off balance.
"Our hitting really came through this game," said Generals catcher Ryan Dickt. "We had two hitting intensive practices which changed our approach. We were a little tentative the first two games. Now I feel like all of us are locked in."
Washington-Lee center fielder Charlie Vitale was 4-for-4 with an RBI.
