Naples Wins Pitching Duel Over Barron Collier

Jaret LaCagnina pitched six innings and only allowed one run while striking out seven.

The story of Wednesday night’s game was the Naples starting pitcher Jaret LaCagnina allowing only four hits in six innings. LaCagnina held the Barron Collier Cougars scoreless until the fourth, but was otherwise in complete control for the 3-1 victory for the Golden Eagles.

“We focused on playing our game,” said Naples manager George Reidy. “We stayed composed, and had a great pitching performance as well as some good hits by some of our younger guys.”

The first inning showed that both LaCognina and Cougars’ starter Nick Denove were dialed in and focused. Both pitchers were able to get three quick outs, leading into the second in quick fashion.

“I tried to really attack the hitters and get ahead in the count,” said LaCagnina. “My change-up was throwing them off balance and helped me throughout the game.”

In the second inning the Golden Eagles’ bats got hot. After two consecutive singles by Matt Vetter and Bryce Watkins, they scored their first runs on a double by Joe Maestu that brought both runners in.

“I just went up there trying to get up in the count early and tried to advance the runners,” said Maetsu. “I tried to get a fastball and explode on it.”

In the bottom half of the inning the Cougars were able to get some men on base after a single by Billy Zeliff. He moved into scoring position on a well-placed bunt by Gabe Noguera. After a walk, it was first and second with one out. LaCagnina showed composure when he was able to get two consecutive outs, as the Cougars left two men stranded.

The third and fourth innings saw more excellent pitching from both teams. LaCagnina and Denove both had two consecutive 1-2-3 innings.

The bats woke up for both teams in the fifth inning. After two outs, Naples’ Andrew Miller came to the plate and singled. Michal Steadman came up next and belted a double to right-center, bringing in Miller while Steadman was able to move to third after a throwing error. The Cougars went to relief pitcher Logan Langham to get them the last out of the inning.

John Long reached based and scored the Cougars only run.

Barron Collier answered back with a run of its own. A single by catcher John Long started the inning off. Brock Nichols laid down a sacrifice bunt and a fielding error allowed Jonathon Newman to reach base, making it first and third. Marc Coffers then singled, bringing in Long. After that LaCagnina was able to get out of the inning, but the damage was done, and it was a two-run game.

Langham struck out three consecutive Golden Eagles after walking the first batter of the next inning. The Cougars then put some pressure on Naples as Billy Zeliff singled and Gabe Noguera walked to put runners on first and second. A sacrifice bunt by Denove moved both runners over into scoring position with one out. The Golden Eagles pitching came in clutch as LaCagnina was able to get two outs to get himself out of the jam unharmed.

In the top of the seventh Langham put two runners on but was able to pitch his way out of the inning without allowing a run. The Barron Collier offense now faced Naples’ closer Bobby Stewart. Stewart also let two runners on base after a single and a walk, but held his ground and ended the game with a fly ball to right field.

“We have a good squad,” said Cougars manager Charlie Maurer. “I thought they competed well tonight and played hard, we just need to clean up some little things.”

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