Countryside Moves To 4-0 With Shutout Win Over Largo

It may be early in the season, but Countryside is showing that their pitching staff can hang with the best of them. The Cougars received another strong performance with a game-by-committee approach, and shut out Largo 3-0 Wednesday evening.

On paper this looked like it may be an easy one for Countryside, who came into the game at 2-0, while Largo brought a record of 0-3 to the match-up. The Packers, however, kept this game close thanks to strong pitching from Kodi Lee and Zak Palmieri. Lee started the game, and threw four innings of shutout ball before the Cougars finally got to him in the fifth.

Staring at a scoreless tie, Countryside’s lead-off hitter, Steve Wilson, began the fifth with a single to right. Matt Adams followed with a triple to left, plating Wilson with the game’s first run. Kyle Kania then drove in the second run of the game with a single to right. The third run of the inning scored on a fielder’s choice, and that would be all the Cougars needed on this day.

Of course, as is the case with most offensive rallies, it was started in the top of the fifth with a run-saving play from third baseman Gabby Adams.

“The team seemed to be in a lull until Gabby made the diving play to keep them off the scoreboard in the fifth,” said Countryside Manager Kemo O’Sullivan. “It fired up the team and sparked our three-run rally.”

On the mound for Countryside, Cameron Krueger threw the first inning, then was relieved by Chase Rogalski, who went five. Rogalski scattered five hits and struck out five. Jack Skantze came in and closed the game in the seventh.

“Chase has been working really hard on his command, and it paid off tonight,” said O’Sullivan.

Largo closes out the week against Seminole on Friday.

Countryside will see their first district action of the year Thursday when they host Leto, before traveling to Dunedin Friday night.

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