Chaminade Madonna Opens Season With 3-1 Win

The Chaminade-Madonna Lions had to wait a bit longer than other teams to finally play their first game of the 2016 season. Dylan Arnett, however, made sure that the Lions began the season on the right foot, striking out nine in 4.1 innings of work in a 3-1 win over new district rival Westminster Academy.

“It was a solid, season opening win,” said Lions Manager Mike Moss. “We played good defense, pitched well, especially in big spots, and got a couple of key hits to drive in runs.”

Westminster actually took an early lead in this game, when Thomas Messer singled to lead off the second. An Alec Villanueva walk put runners on first and second, and Messer then stole third and home to give the Lions the lead.

Chaminade answered right back in their half of the second. Rolando Petit led off with a single to right. Matt Johnson followed with a single, and Mike Drag walked. After Petit scored, Chris Vickers drove in the second run of the inning with a base hit.

Chaminade added a run in the third when Petit walkedand scored on a Johnson triple.

From there, both pitching staffs settled in. Arnett was relieved in the fifth by Ryan McManigal, who threw the final 2.2 innings to pick up the save.

“Dylan was able to mix his pitches well and throw some big swing and miss type pitches when it counted,” said Moss. “I am very please with the performance for an opener.” “

Westminster starter Thomas Neuman went the first 1.2, and was relieved by Nick Gambardell, who through the middle 3.1 innings. Gambardell allowed only one earned run before giving way to Tommy Haggerty to throw the final inning for the Lions.

The win by Chaminade gives them an early lead in newly created 4A-7. Chaminade joins Hilaeah Educational as the only two teams with district wins early in the year.

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