Bluejay Baseball Blasts Gaels in Season Opening 11-3 Win

Moraga, Calif. -- Four runs in the first three innings got Creighton Baseball rolling, then a five-run seventh put the game away as the Bluejays opened the Mark Kingston era with an 11-3 win at Saint Mary's on Friday, February 13.

Creighton took advantage of a wild start as three hit batters and a walk gave the Bluejays a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, then senior Teddy Deters blasted a shot over the right field wall to open the second.

The Bluejays tacked on a pair of runs as Nate McHugh and Connor Capece started the frame with singles. Moments later McHugh scored as Capece stole second and forced an errant throw, later in the frame Capece crossed on a sac fly from newcomer Chris Baillargeon.

Both Creighton and Saint Mary's pushed a pair across in the sixth. First Ben North laced a two-run single to left to make it 6-0, then the Gaels chased Bluejay starter Jack Pineau with a home run and a single. The Bluejays wasted little time with their response as Creighton plated five runs in the seventh on four singles and three walks.

Four Bluejays led the offense with a pair of hits, led by Ben North as the senior shortstop had three RBI. Joining North with multiple hits were Capece, McHugh and newcomer Lew Rice.

Pineau collected the win (1-0), limiting the Gaels to two runs on six hits in five innings of work. Reliever Evan Stratton tossed three scoreless frame and Anthony Unga worked the final frame.

Gaels starter John Damozonio took the loss (0-1), allowing four runs on four hits in three innings.

Creighton and Saint Mary's will wrap up the three-game set with a doubleheader on Saturday, February 14 beginning at 12:00 pm.