Defending Champion Douglas Shuts Down Flanagan In Opener

When Douglas and Flanagan get together, there does not need to be much imagination on what type of game will be played. With both teams having a championship pedigree and looking to stake claim as one of the top teams in 9A in 2017, the Eagles continued where they left off last year, riding the arm of ace Brandon Kaminer to a 4-1 victory over Falcons Challenge host Flanagan in the season opener.

Last week, the Eagles went to face another state champion Archbishop McCarthy in a preseason game, and things did not go well, with Douglas dropping that game 10-1. Like most championship teams, however, Douglas showed that it is a different game once the regular season starts. On Tuesday, Douglas served notice that they are still the team to beat in 9A.

“This type of competition is why we play in this tournament,” said Manager Todd Fitz-Gerald. “We respect Flanagan, and we know this is a tough place to win. Tonight we just played well, and did the things you have to do if you want to beat this caliber of team.

What Douglas did was put together a similar formula that they used to win a state title last year, throw ace Brandon Kaminer out on the mound, let him do his thing, play strong defense, and then get a few timely hits. Kaminer, as was the case last week, came out a little slow, getting into a bases loaded, no-out jam in the first. The Eagles lefty was able to dodge a big inning by getting a double play and a strikeout, escaping with only one run allowed.

From there, Kaminer settled in, and his final line of five innings pitched and one earned run was vintage. He left the game after five innings, having not given up a hit.

“I felt good tonight,” said Kaminer. “In the first inning I thought I was getting squeezed a little bit, but I was able to focus in and get out of it. After that, I was able to hit my spots.”

Flanagan received equally strong starting pitching from Jeremy Cook. The Falcons lefty went three innings and also wroked out of a jam in the first inning, allowing only one run. The pitch count from the first inning, however, made Manager Ray Evans pull Cook earlier than he would have liked.

“Ideally we wanted him to throw four or five innings in the 50 pitch range, but that didn’t happen tonight,” said Evans. “It was not the efficiency we were looking for, but it’s early in the year, and when you are playing a team like Douglas, a mistake here or there can cost you a game.”

One of the Eagles big additions this year was Jacob Stanley, and he paid dividends in the fourth inning. Stanley opened the inning with a blast to center-field and out of the park, giving Douglas a 2-1 lead.

“It was great to come into the game and give us the lead with that home run,” said Stanley. “Being new to the club, it was awesome to contribute right away.”

Stanley also made his presence known on the mound, relieving Kaminer and throwing a shutout inning before sophomore Kyle Yeoward closed out the 4-1 win.

“Jake was great tonight,” said Fitz-Gerald. “He obviously is an important part of our team with his versatility. he plays center, then he hits the big home run and also gives us an inning on the mound. It was big.”

Douglas takes control of a Falcons Challenge bracket that also features defending state champion Calvary Christian. The Eagles face Calvary today, while Flanagan will look to regroup in their match-up with Calvary on Thursday. The winner of the bracket will play in the title game against the winner of the Monsignor Pace, Westminster Christian, and St. Thomas bracket.

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