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Early runs key to Knights' victory

By WAYNE GRUMET

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 10, 2001

DUNEDIN -- River Ridge coach Jack Homko was a little concerned about what to expect from his team at the Dunedin Easter Tournament on Monday. The Knights were facing an unknown quantity in Doss from Louisville, Ky.

However, the Knights quickly put their coach at ease by scoring two runs in the first inning and another four runs in the third en route to a 7-2 win.

River Ridge will face Pinellas Park tonight at 8 at the Englebert Complex.

"(The early runs) gave me a lot of confidence to go out there and just pitch my game," said River Ridge starting pitcher Chad Justus, who recorded six of his seven strikeouts in the first four innings. "I didn't have to worry about exactly how or where they were going to hit the ball."

Doss (4-3) was also dealing with an unknown quantity, not counting the unfamiliar Knights. Doss starter Chris Lathery made just his second appearance of the season.

Lathery (0-1) missed half of last season with a right arm injury and he was coming off an elbow injury before this season.

River Ridge (14-9) pounded Lathery in his 21/3 innings. The Knights scored six runs on four hits.

"He's still got a dead arm. He's lost about 5 to 6 miles per hour on his fastball," Doss coach Greg Lauder said. "His confidence is down and he's having a hard time finding the plate. He just doesn't have confidence in his arm right now."

River Ridge leadoff hitter Greg Esteves keyed his team's two rallies by getting on base and wreaking havoc. Esteves was 3-for-3 with 3 runs scored, 3 stolen bases and a walk.

Billy Phillips drove Esteves home twice, once with a first-inning sacrifice fly and then with a third-inning single.

River Ridge put the game out of reach with four runs in the bottom of the third with some help from the Dragons.

The Knights scored one run thanks to an error and another when Lathery walked Jeff Durso with the bases loaded.

Justus (3-4) held the lead and worked through a pair of jams, stranding four runners in two tough innings.

"He was little high at the beginning and they got a couple hits. Give Chad (Justus) some credit for some perseverance," Homko said. "He was able to hang tough and work through his difficulties."

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