The Shoreline Cougars 18-U AAU baseball team began its inaugural season in the East Shore Travel League by playing three contests last week. The Cougars opened their campaign with a home doubleheader versus the Hamden Yard Dogs, playing to a 3-3 tie in the first game and taking the nightcap 7-2. Later in the week, the Cougars defeated the Madison Senior Legion baseball team 10-5 for their second victory of the season. The Cougars play their home games at Haddam-Killingworth High School.

First up was the doubleheader against Hamden and, in the first game, the Cougars were led on the mound by Haddam-Killingworth student Owen Marica, who pitched five innings and allowed three runs to go along with four strikeouts. Pat O’Leary came into the game in relief and had four strikeouts in two innings without giving up a run. Scott Masse of Old Saybrook had two hits and two RBI, including the game-tying hit in the seventh inning.

“The kids showed a lot of heart to fight back and tie it up,” said Head Coach Dennis Annicelli.

In the second game, the Cougars prevailed 7-2 as recent Haddam-Killingworth graduate Gavin Figurelli went three innings and allowed two runs, while HK’s Luke Bauer got the win by pitching four innings of shutout ball with six Ks. O’Leary had three hits, two RBI, and three runs scored. HK’s Tyler Popp had two hits and two RBI, plus Valley Regional graduate Evan Makowicki added two hits.

“It seemed as if the start of the year, jitters were out,” Annicelli said. “[Our] pitchers kept the ball down. Hitters were aggressive and put pressure on the defense.”

In their third contest of the week,the Cougars beat Madison at home 10-5. Kyle Aitken went three innings with three strikeouts and gave up four runs. Fellow HK student John Grasso finished the game by pitching four innings, allowing one run and whiffing seven.

“John did a great job pitching and really put the game away for us. Having Tyler and Pat back to back in the lineup makes it very hard on the opposing pitcher,” said Annicelli. “If guys get on base, those two are gonna drive them in. Pat has made it look easy at the plate so far. The kid is a stud.”

Popp had three hits, four RBI, and a double for Shoreline, while O’Leary finished with three hits and two RBI, Makowicki had two hits and an RBI, and Grasso also added two hits for the Cougars.