Liverpool pitcher Anthony Lapine tossed a five-hit shutout to lead the Warriors to a 2-0 season-opening victory over host Cicero-North Syracuse on Saturday.
LaPine struck out four, walked one and hit one batter.
"I couldn't have asked for any more than he gave us today," said Liverpool coach Fred Terzini. "He was amazing from the first inning on. Had command all day long, pounded the strike zone, avoided the extra-base hit, and only walked one. He was amazing start to finish."
The Warriors got single runs in the third and seventh innings. Noah Klasen was hit by a pitch and came around to score in the third and LaPine aided his own cause by singling and coming around to score in the seventh. It was his second hit of the game.
The game was a welcome sight for both players and coach.
"I was talking with coach (Kevin) Krause from West Genesee this morning and we were commenting on how we both felt like today was our first game ever coaching," said Terzini. "The entire bus ride I was wondering if I forgot anything. I was wondering if I would remember how to coach in a game situation and if my mind was sharp enough. In my heart, I was happy for these kids to finally get to enjoy their passion and for the first time in a long time not have something taken away from them. Not be told no, you can't. They need to be kids again."
The same two teams are scheduled to play against each other again on Monday.
