Canterbury Shuts Down First Baptist In 10-0 Victory

Cooper Swanson had six strikeouts in three innings of work.

Thursday’s game was another controlling victory for the undefeated Canterbury Cougars. The First Baptist Lions could not get their bats going against the stellar pitching performance by Cougars starter Cooper Swanson. Meanwhile the Cougars’ offense was on fire, earning a 10-0 win over the Lions.

After a quick 1-2-3 first inning by Canterbury’s starting pitcher Cooper Swanson, the Cougars got off to a quick offensive start when leadoff batter Carter Smith reached second base on a misplayed fly ball. Smith then advanced to third on a ground ball hit by Gus Cunningham. Tyler Shuck next collected the first of his three RBI’s with a two-out base hit.

The Cougars (3-0) hit around the order and scored an impressive eight runs in the bottom of the third to take control. Sam Keating reached base after a full count walk. A nine pitch at bat would result with Tyler Shack collecting his second and third RBI of the night with a two-run, opposite-field home run. The biggest hit of the inning came from Gus Cunningham, who hit a three-run home run that bounced of the center field fence. Sam Keating followed up Gus Cunningham’s home run with a solo shot of his own.

“I was trying to stay short and quick, and just hit the ball the other way,” said Tyler Shuck.

Canterbury’s Cooper Swanson continued to dominate in the second inning by collecting his second and third strikeout. Swanson featured an electric fastball and a devastating curveball. Swanson did not allow a single hit and collected a total of six strikeouts in his three innings of work.

“I just tried to throw strikes,” Cooper Swanson said. “I know I have a good defense behind me.”

The fifth inning began with a groundball single up the middle off the bat of Giovanny Lorenzo. Cooper Swanson was then able to reach base after being hit by a pitch. Alec Babb then singled to load the bases. The game ended when team captain Jake Gordan was hit by a pitch, allowing Lorenzo to cross the plate and tally Canterbury’s tenth run of the night, putting the mercy rule into effect.

As big a night as it was for the hitters, the team was just as pleased with the pitching performance.

“Pitching is our strong point,” said Cougars manager Frank Turco.

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