North Kingstown dismantled Narragansett, 14-2, behind the six-hit, 13-strikeout pitching of Dave D'Errico. Jamale Horn, Ryan Morris and Nick Savickas all contributed multiple hits in support.
The Skippers rebounded strongly from a recent upset loss to Johnston, having an eight-game win streak snapped.
"Our bats were red-hot early on the season and we had a lull at the plate midway but our pitching has continued to be solid (1.50 team ERA) and our defense has been really strong," Skippers head coach Kevin Gormley said. "We have been making less than an error per game."
The North Kingstown offense is hitting at a .350 clip paced by senior All-Staters, D'Errico and Cody Normand, both of whom have made commitments to NCAA Division I Hofstra. Horn's father is Sam Horn, former Pawtucket Red Sox standout who played in the majors for several years. Savickas and All-Division catcher Austin Brown are other offensive leaders.
"We have a lot of firepower, especially the first four batters," Gormley said.
D'Errico and Normand have each thrown two complete games and junior Jay Ferri has thrown another in winning efforts.
North Kingstown remains one of several teams poised to make a run in the postseason, including defending state champion Bishop Hendricken along with Cranston West and a nearby foe.
"South Kingstown has just one loss," Gormley says of the Rebels with whom they share the Division 1 South lead (13-1). "We play them May 20 at our place."
Jay Jeannotte was the only bright spot for Narragansett by improving his average to .480 with three hits, including a double and two stolen bases. He score the Mariners' only runs.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound infielder is also an All-State basketball player (20 points per game) for the Division 2 finalists and Rhode Island Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year. He surprised many recently by announcing his intentions to play baseball at Boston College.
More Baseball: South Kingstown keeps pace
South Kingstown is now the hottest team in the Ocean State following its 12-2 triumph over Middletown.
Alex Briggs allowed just four hits for the Rebels, who have yielded just six runs during their nine-game win streak. They broke open the game with a combined 10 runs fourth and fifth innings. Sean O'Neill and Sam Johnson each had two hits and three RBI while Brian Lessard had a triple and three RBI.
Baseball News and Notes
* Kevin Dale twirled a five-hitter as Warwick Veterans overcame Cranston East, 13-1, in Division 1 West play. Mark Rossi had three hits and two RBI and Larry Anthony drove in three runs on two hits for the Hurricanes.
* Division 2 South leader Prout produced four runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run single by Chris Siravo, to get past Classical, 6-4. Winning pitcher Brad Horsfield also received help from relievers Chris Siravo and Joe Anzeveno in the seventh inning for the victory. Shane Sandoval also added two hits.
* Smithfield (9-5) remained just ahead of La Salle (9-6) in Division 1 North followng a 9-1 win over North Providence. Pitcher John Cashmanian went all the way for the Sentinels by allowing five hits and striking out eight Cougars' batters.
