Lucks pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out seven in Youngsville’s 3-1 season-opening victory over Cochranton on Wednesday at Davis Street Field.

Youngsville was able to win despite tallying just two hits. The Eagles’ batters worked six walks off Cochranton starter Walker Carroll and took 95 pitches through the first four innings, forcing the hard-throwing Carroll from the game early.

“Going into the game we knew it was going to be a one- or two-run ballgame with the top two pitchers in our region going at it,” said Youngsville coach Eddie Dorunda. “Our team had a game plan going in and they all listened and executed it perfectly.”

The Cardinals (1-2, 1-1 Region 3) actually struck first, using a leadoff double from Brayden Burnette to score a run and make it 1-0. Burnette raced home on an RBI fielder’s choice from Blake Foulk for what would prove to be Cochranton’s only run.

Eagles’ Matt DeSimone, right, slides safely into second base ahead of the tag of Cochranton’s Brayden Burnette. Photo courtesy of Jay Elfstrom

After leaving three runners in scoring position over the first two innings, the Eagles were able to force a run across in the bottom of the third to tie the game at 1-1.

Ethan Beers walked to lead off the inning and Matt DeSimone reached on the team’s first hit. A deep fly out from James Johnson allowed both runners to move up and Beers came home when a ball hit by Cole Johnson was misplayed for a Cardinals error.

Brayden Baker was up next and hit a grounder and the throw appeared to pull the first baseman off the bag. However, the umpire called the runner out and Youngsville had to settle for the early tie.

More small ball in the fourth led to Youngsville’s first lead of the season. Lane Buccardo led off with a walk and Talon Mesel singled to put runners on first and second. While the next three Eagles batters struck out, passed balls and wild pitches allowed both Buccardo and Mesel to score and put Youngsville on top 3-1.

That would be all Lucks would need.

Lucks allowed two baserunners in the fifth before setting down the last seven Cochranton batters in order to seal Youngsville’s first win of the year. In the seventh inning, Lucks struck out the side to put an emphatic stamp on the game.

“Nathan did what he always does and gave us one hell of an outing,” said Dorunda. “Asking a pitcher to go the distance in the first game of the year is a lot to ask for, but he’s been preparing for this situation all offseason.”

Dorunda was also impressed with his defensive effort.

“Ethan Beers and James Johnson played lights out on the left side of our infield. With the grass being wet, I couldn’t have asked for a better defensive effort from the team.”

The Eagles will face a quick turnaround after the win, returning to action today when they travel to Mercyhurst University to face the Iroquois Braves.

“Now it’s on to the next game,” said Dorunda. “These boys showed me tonight we’re going to be ready to go to battle against anyone and I’m very proud of them.”