Exeter 10s open Cal Ripken state tourney in grand fashion
LONDONDERRY - Patrick Flaherty, head coach of the Exeter 10-and-under Cal Ripken summer baseball team, said when he can hear a lot of noise coming from the dugout, he knows his team will play a good game, no matter the end result.
"When I hear the kids make lots of noise in the dugout, I know they're involved and I know we're going to have a good game," Flaherty said. "We may not always win it, but I know the kids are engaged and focused. It gives (the coaching staff) confidence that they're involved and ready to roll."
Exeter, which had a first-round bye in the this week's state tournament, was indeed ready to roll as it defeated Great North Woods on Wednesday night, 15-0 in four innings. The game ended early due to the 10-run mercy rule.
Exeter racked up 10 hits and 10 walks. Teo Lee had two hits, Henry Plante reached base three times and Nolan Schimoler scored three runs.
Exeter starting pitcher Holden Flaherty pitched four innings, allowing three hits, and striking out five.
Exeter will play Nashua on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Londonderry. Nashua defeated Windham, 4-1 on Wednesday night.
Flaherty said one of the main focus areas is putting a crooked number on the scoreboard first, and the team was successful in doing so Wednesday.
After scoring three runs in the first, Exeter scored seven in the second, four in the third and another one in the fourth.
"Put some pressure on them, and make their pitcher work," Flaherty said. "I think the kids enjoyed we gave them a couple days of break around the holiday, and I think the families enjoyed a little bit of a reprieve as well."
Friday's other game is between Londonderry and Dover.
Exeter, dating back to previous tournaments, has now won nine of its last 10 games, outscoring the opposition, 82-22. Even still, Flaherty knows each game will be a battle.
"I think it's always pointing out to the kids that every team that steps in front is trying to knock us off," he said. "Every team that steps in front of them on the field is trying to beat the defending champs, and we're going to get every team's best every single night."
Team roster
Mac Cochran
Holden Flaherty
Cash Frizzell
Will Kavanaugh
Teo Lee
Andrew Maher
Tyler O'Connell
Henry Plante
Dono Reed
Nolan Schimoler
Arlo Stagnone
Grayson Walker
Sam Warlick
The coaching staff includes: Flaherty (manager), and assistant coaches Jeff Plante, Donovan Reed and Bob Schimoler.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter opens Cal Ripken state tourney with win over Great North Woods
