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Ridgewood's Lowe harnesses Gulf

NEW PORT RICHEY -- One example as to how well Ridgewood has come out of the gates in its 6-1 start: Senior Ronnie Lowe has made three starts, lasted five-plus innings in each, and has yet to give up his first earned run.

The Rams got more of the same Tuesday night as they claimed an early lead in their home opener and Lowe took care of the rest in a six-inning, 11-1 victory over Gulf.

"We knew we had to come out and get some runs early," said coach Larry Beets, whose team struck for four in the first inning and two in the second. "That's what they (Gulf) did (Monday) night against Mitchell, getting three runs in the first and a tremendous conference and district win."

The early-inning offense was keyed by sophomore rightfielder John Servidio, who hit a two-run home run in the first and an RBI single that brought in another run on an error in the second. Servidio, who already has a grand slam this season, finished 3-for-4.

Lowe (3-0) struck out 10 while holding the Buccaneers (3-3) to three hits. During one stretch, he retired nine straight, needing a combined 18 pitches for the fourth and fifth innings. Lowe took a shutout into the sixth before Gulf scored an unearned run on Dan Proctor's single to centerfield.

Gulf starter Kevin Campbell (0-2) struggled early, giving up five hits and three walks in the first two innings, though he wasn't helped by five errors.

"We hurt ourselves early with the errors," said Gulf coach Shaun Weimer, whose team lost 18-7 to Ridgewood two weeks ago. The Rams ended the game an inning early with four runs in the sixth off reliever Sean Jones. Josh Le'roy doubled and scored on an error, then two runs came in on a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly by Matt Laliberte. Freshman Jon Koenigsfeld brought the 10-run rule into play with his first career hit.

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