By Dave Dyer

Staff Writer

In the midst of one of the warmest days of the year, the Scarborough Red Storm baseball team couldn’t heat up their bats.

The Red Storm lost to the Westbrook Blue Blazes 11-2 on Tuesday at McFarland Field in Scarborough.

Dominance was on display, as Westbrook starting pitcher Scott Heath threw five innings, striking out 10 batters, giving up three hits and allowing no earned runs. Westbrook coach Matt Shaw said it’s the second game in a row the lefty has pitched without giving up an earned run.

After a scoreless first inning, Westbrook outfielder Christian Hamilton started the second inning hitting a triple to left field, immediately followed by a base hit by designated hitter Jake Gardner to give the Blue Blazes a 1-0 lead.

Heath would help his own cause in the top of the third inning, driving home Mike Devlinski and Lance Ludka with a base hit to center field.

The Red Storm scored their first run in the bottom of the third, as Scarborough second baseman Joe Cronin was able to score after an errant throw from catcher Nick Finachiaro to third base brought him home.

The floodgates opened in the fourth inning for Westbrook, as they were able to score five runs, highlighted by second baseman Zack Collette’s solo home run over the center field wall. By the end of the inning, the Blue Blazes enjoyed an 8-1 lead.

Westbrook added three more runs in the sixth inning, giving them an 11-1 lead. The Red Storm would get one more run in the sixth inning, as Jake Rutt was able to score from third on a passed ball.

Pitcher Sean Murphy closed out the final two innings for Westbrook, striking out one hitter.

Gardner led the Blue Blazes with three hits and two runs batted in. Shortstop Matt Foye also contributed on the basepaths with two stolen bases.

Rutt, Chris Bernard and Jimmy Rouse, who each collected a hit, led the Red Storm offensively. Rouse also had a stolen base.

Scarborough coach Jim Cronin said his team played well defensively, which has been a goal for the team stemming from last season. He said the Red Storm often performs well offensively, and he gave much of the credit to Heath for his strong pitching performance.

Shaw also gave credit to Heath for Westbrook’s victory.

“Scotty’s a strikeout pitcher,” Shaw said. “But we can’t give up those soft runs. Of course, I’m getting greedy.”

The Red Storm continues their season against Thornton Academy at home on Tuesday before heading out to Hadlock Field to play against the Portland Bulldogs on Thursday.

Staff writer Dave Dyer can be reached at 282-4337 ext. 219