SULPHUR — North Vermilion’s seven seniors have had to wait their turn for a chance to put their stamp on the Patriots’ baseball program.
On Wednesday, those seniors took another step in that direction as the sixth-seeded Patriots defeated No. 10 Pearl River 6-1 in a Division II nonselect semifinal game at McMurry Park.
“Man, these seniors have been waiting for the opportunity to carry on the legacy of this program,” coach Jeremy Trahan said. “They are doing a good job of carrying it on.”
The Patriots will face No. 1 Lutcher in the state final at 2 p.m. Saturday on Field 40. It’s the third time in four years the Patriots will play for a state title.
“It feels great,” Trahan said. “Last year, unfortunately we were knocked out early. I know we have been here three times in four years, but it is hard to get here. You never known when you are going to get back, so they are all special.”
Patriots starting pitcher Isaac Russell was certainly special against Pearl River. Russell (6-2) allowed one unearned run on five hits and one walk. He struck out four in going the distance.
“He’s going to pound the zone and he’s not overpowering, but he is going to let his defense work behind him," Trahan said. "He did a great job.”
Russell consistently threw strikes.
“Isaac throws three pitches for strikes,” Trahan said. “He’s an 80-83 miles per hour right-hander which isn’t bad. But he isn’t going to light up the radar gun. It doesn’t matter how hard you throw. Isaac is going to throw strikes, let his defense play behind and he just makes it work.”
With Russell dealing on the mound, the Patriots offense did more than enough off. North Vermilion was led by shortstop Colt Lejeune (1 for 2, two RBIs), second baseman Devin Blanchard (1 for 3, RBI) and left fielder Brody Lambeck (2 for 3).
“I thought we did a great job of being patient at the plate,” Trahan said. “The bottom of our lineup came up with some big hits and they’ve done that all season. The bottom of our lineup was awesome.”
One victory away from bringing home a state championship, Trahan doesn’t want his players to change their approach.
“We just have to keep doing what we do,” Trahan said. “We need to throw strikes, play defense, and grind out at-bats. When we get the chance, that’s when we look for our shot.”
