When an MLB pitcher throws a complete game shutout and throws under 100 pitches, it is called a “Maddux,” homage to the great Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux.
With the high school game only being seven innings, it is a bit different, but Kentridge starter Dominic DesMarais had himself a Maddux in the first round of the playoffs.
The Chargers entered the playoffs on a three-game losing streak, but they didn’t let that knock their confidence.
“Everybody was kind of level headed. Even though we have been here before, we still had to calm the nerves because it is the playoffs. We tried to stay even keeled,” skipper Sheldon Stober said.
Kentridge defeated Curtis 1-0 on May 7. Despite it being a 1-0 win, Curtis was never in the game — that is just how dominant DesMarais was.
“That was efficient. He didn’t walk anybody and struck out one guy. Credit to our defense as well,” Stober said.
His final pitch count was 69 pitches, allowing just two hits through his seven innings of work, and also struck out just one Curtis batter. Only two Curtis players reached second base and one got to third for the entire game.
“He just pounds the zone. As a senior in a loser out game, he knew it was crunch time,” Stober said.
“Today I was feeling a little tired. When the sun comes out I get a little drowsy. It is what I worked for. I was very comfortable out there,” DesMarais said.
Throwing efficient complete games is nothing new for DesMarais in his senior season. Back on March 19. he threw a four-hit shutout in a 2-0 win over Auburn (72 pitches), and against Tahoma, he couldn’t get the shutout, but held the Bears to one run on two hit (87) pitches. But his form against Curtis was different — there were maybe two Vikings that put a good swing on the ball. That’s it.
“I was training in the offseason a lot, it paid off. It paid off real well,” DesMarais said.
The Chargers offensively needed just the one run with how good DesMarais was throwing. It came off the bat of Teegan O’Brien who drove in Rylan Gullard in the second inning. O’Brien has been a vocal leader on this Kentridge team, and he has been coming through in the clutch all year. He went 2-2 with the lone RBI and a walk to reach base in all three at-bats.
“He’s a huge part of this team and so much fun to watch,” Stober said.
O’Brien also works really well with the pitching staff. DesMarais mentioned his backstop postgame and how good their relationship is.
“We’re very tight. He’s very confident behind the plate. He gets me up when I am down,” DesMarais said.
Kentridge was in this same position last season — after defeating Bethel, the Chargers took on Federal Way. The Chargers lost 3-1 to the eventual state destined Eagles, but this time around, Kentridge is using that experience to their benefit.
“We’re pretty much the same team as last year. They got the experience and know what to expect. Last year we played competitively in that game. I expect the same this time. We’re going to go out and play seven innings of great baseball,” Stober said.
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Teegan O’Brien prepares to take a swing against Curtis. Ben Ray / The Reporter
