Weston Ranch hammered Stagg High School 17-1 in a non-conference, mercy-rule five-inning game last night at Stagg. The Cougars were coming off three straight losses and took out their frustrations on the overmatched Delta Kings.

“We came out with a much better mindset,” said head coach David Hager. “We were prepared to compete for a complete game and played with enthusiasm and a willingness to grind out at-bats and play solid defense.”

Senior Dustin Tinsley went the distance on the mound and delivered a masterful performance. Tinsley pitched five innings, allowed zero earned runs, and struck out six. While he did give up two hits, his ability to shut down the Delta Kings helped guide Weston Ranch to the easy win.

“Dustin was really good tonight,” said Hager. “He located his pitches and changed speeds effectively. Whenever Dustin pitches, we have an excellent chance to win.”

Weston Ranch jumped out to an 8-0 lead after the first four innings, and the Cougars scored seven of those runs on wild pitches and bases-loaded walks. The Cougars pushed nine more runs across the plate in the top of the fifth, and Tinsley closed out the bottom half of the inning, and the game was called after five innings due to the mercy rule.

Senior Andrew Montano led the Cougars with three hits, three RBI, and three runs. Sophomore Ayden Tinsley doubled in the first inning and finished with two hits, two RBI, and scored two runs. The Cougars collected nine hits, 15 RBI, and stole three bases as a team.

“We had much better at-bats, and we were locked in on the process and not just swinging to swing the bats,” Hager said. “We communicated better and were much more in tune with what needed to be done on each pitch.”

The Cougars face Stagg again this Friday at Weston Ranch as part of their home and home series with the Delta Kings.