Lake Placid Defeats Dunbar In 5A-12 Battle

Justin Mason threw a complete game for the Dragons.

Both teams battled throughout Thursday night’s 5A-12 district game at Dunbar High, but Lake Placid’s powerful offense proved to be to much for the Dunbar Tigers. The Lake Placid Dragons defeated the Dunbar Tigers with a final score of 14-3.

The Dragons (6-9, 3-3) scored the first two runs of the game in the top of the first inning and never looked back.

“We just went out and put the ball in play,” said Manager Tim Ferguson. “We scored enough runs to win.”

Dunbar leadoff hitter Mason Walker got the bottom of the first inning started with a hard line-drive single into right field. The next two batters were able to draw back-to-back walks to load the bases with no outs.

Dragons starting pitcher Justin Mason induced a shallow fly ball to the second basemen for the first out of the inning. He was not able to have the same success with Mike Warner. Warner drove in the first run of the game for the Tigers (9-9, 1-5) with a well-placed single past the diving shortstop. Mason then retired the next two batters he faced with out allowing any more runs to score, holding onto the lead.

The Dragons continued to add to that lead in the second. The Dragons designated hitter Diego Mirales collected his first of four hits of the night with a deep double in the gap. He was later driven in by a triple hit by Tay Williams.

“I just wanted to make contact and help my team out and score some runs,” Diego Mirales said.

Shortstop Darin Tobias reached base twice for the Tigers.

The Dragons’ offense erupted in the third inning, when they brought all nine batters up to the plate. The Dragons loaded the bases for Jason Andrews, who did not disappoint in the big moment. Andrews singled the other way, allowing Sam Callaham to score. The Dragons scored a total of four runs in the third, bringing their lead to six.

The Tigers responded with a big inning of their own. Andres Torres would get the bottom of the third inning started with a very patient at bat that resulted in a walk. After Darin Tobias was hit by a pitch, Nick Whatley singled to load the bases. Jayden Roche also singled, allowing both Torres and Tobias to score.

But that was as close as Dunbar got. Lake Placid added a total of seven runs to their lead before the game ended in the bottom fifth inning.

“Its a tough district loss,” said Dunbar manger Zachery Hopple. “They just hit the ball where we weren’t. But I’m  proud of the way my team performed.”

Justin Mason pitched a complete game for the Dragons. He collected a total of 10 strikeouts throughout his five innings of work.

“My changeup was my go-to pitch,” Justin Mason said.

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