Bears jump on Lions early, win 11-4
Van Wade
The Orange Leader
LITTLE CYPRESS — Putting up all the runs they really needed in the first inning, the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears waltzed to a 11-4 victory over the Livingston Lions at Don Gibbens Field Saturday afternoon at LC-M High School.
The Bears (12-9, 3-1) generated eight runs in the bottom of the first. They pounded out four hits, including a grand slam home run blast by Stefan Cloeren and a two-run shot by Tim Barry in the run. The Bears also took advantage of two walks, a hit batter and three Livingston (1-3 in district) errors.
Shane Waddell earned the win on the mound for the Bears. He worked four innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three and walking two. Taylor Thompson pitched two frames, allowing two hits while striking out one while Cloeren pitched the seventh, allowing three hits.
Wade Estes got the Bears going in the first when he reached on a one-out error. Stefan Leger, who was 2-for-4, popped a single to left and Matt Johnson drew a walk to load the bases. Thompson, who was 2-for-4, roped a RBI single to left to plate Estes for the first run.
Cloeren came up next and clobbered an offering by Livingston starter Blake Hunter over the right center field wall as four runs gently came around to touch home.
Waddell was then hit by a Hunter pitch and Scott Vaughan drew a walk. Courtesy runner Joey Tutt was able to score after a pickoff attempt at first base was errant. With two outs, Barry uncorked a two-run bomb over the center field fence to make it 8-0.
Livingston jumped on the board with three runs in the sixth.
Kevin Nettles, who was 2-for-4, had a one-out single to right and Taylor Kellar drew a two-out walk. Lance Clay then reached on an error and Nettles scored on the play.
The Lions added two more when Austin Haynes ripped a two-run double to center.
The Bears tacked on three runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Estes led off by getting hit by a pitch. With two outs, Thompson singled to left and Cloeren drew a walk. Waddell then picked up an RBI by drawing a bases-loaded walk to score Estes.
Vaughan promptly ripped a single that was too hot for the Lions’ shortstop, which was good enough for Thompson and Cloeren to score.
Livingston added a run in the seventh on Scooter Rowe’s two-out solo home run over the center field wall.
The Bears continue rugged District 20-4A action Tuesday when they welcome Orange County rival Vidor.