BASEBALL: LaGrou notches first varsity W

GENESEO — There’s a good chance this afternoon’s cold and windy conditions will never be forgotten by Geneseo Blue Devils starting pitcher Ryan LaGrou. The reason being, the sophomore picked up his first victory at the varsity level.

LaGrou tossed five innings, allowing three runs, as his strong effort helped the Blue Devils to a 5-4 win over the LeRoy Oatkan Knights.

Seeing LaGrou pick up his first win was a welcomed sight for head coach Chuck Nesbitt.

“I was really happy with the way he threw,” Nesbitt said. “He had five innings and was right around the plate in his first start. Good outing for him and picked up the win, so that was good.”

LaGrou was also pleased with his outing.

“My fastball was really working outside and my curveball was getting in there once in a while,” LaGrou said. “Cory (Valentine) moved it around a lot and came up with a couple strikeouts.”

The Blue Devils did not receive the offensive output they’d gotten over the last couple of games, but got timely hitting in the fourth inning, when catcher Cory Valentine picked up a 2-run single, his third hit of the day.

“Cory’s (Valentine) been huge,” Nesbitt said. “He just wants to hit. You can just tell when he goes up there that he’s anxious to hit and puts the bat on the ball. Cory’s (Valentine) come a long way and is really looking good.”

Pulling out the one-run victory gave Nesbitt added confidence in his group.

“It’s nice to be able to hold the lead when you have to,” Nesbitt said. “We were up 5-0 thinking this should be enough and then they come back, but it’s nice to be able to suck it up.”

Geneseo (6-1) will next be in action when they travel to York on Friday. Game is slated for a 4:30 start.