Lake Highland Prep Takes 1-0 Win Against Father Lopez

Lake Highland Preparatory earned a 1-0 win against Father Lopez Catholic in an exciting game Tuesday. The Highlanders bring their record to 5-2 thanks to a strong pitching performance.

The score was scoreless for the first four innings. It was a pitchers game and it was hard to tell who would allow the first string of hits to come together. Junior pitcher William Saxton threw the whole game and earned the shutout victory. He collected 11 strikeouts and only allowed one hit.

“The team was awesome tonight, bringing our record to 5-and-2, definitely two losses we could have had but we’re playing good,” Saxton said. “We just need to keep practicing and keep getting better. My catcher, Joe Cosgrove, did an awesome job. I love him behind the plate; he helps me with everything, my corrections and everything. I have been with him the past three years on varsity.”

The chemistry between Saxton and Cosgrove was evident. They both work hard for each other and the outcome shows. You can tell Cosgrove has Saxton’s back just by watching him frame and work behind the plate.

Cosgrove is a junior and committed to the University of North Florida.

“I tell my pitchers in the bullpen to pitch strikes and get ahead of batters because thats the key- to keep the pitch count low.” Cosgrove said. “He did really well tonight, he pitched his butt off.”

In the bottom of the fifth Jalen Townsend started off the inning by drawing a walk. Townsend stole second and was brought in by a blooper to left-center field hit by Saxton to scratch the first and only run on the board.

Although Saxton brought the win home, Father Lopez pitcher Hunter Connor is also someone to brag about. Connor had six strikeouts and kept Lake Highland’s lineup in check for the most part.

“I thought Hunter Connor threw a great game. He kept us in the ball game and that’s what you got to ask out of your starting pitcher.” Green Wave manager Bo Hall said. “Their guy, you have to tip your hat to him. He did a heck of a job keeping us off balance and making pitches when he needed too. They scraped one across and we couldn’t. I just want us to come out and battle, make improvements, and get better.”

Before coming to Lake Highland Prep three years ago, manager Randy O’Neal was with Olympia for seven years.

“I love it here,” O’Neal said. “It’s good to watch the kids grow each week, trying to change the culture a little bit. We’re starting to compete, starting to win games that we can. We just need to improve each and every day.”

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