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High School Baseball Poll - Collegiate Baseball Newspaper PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Wednesday (April 5, 1999) BARBE H.S. NO. 1 IN EASTON SPORTS COLLEGIATE BASEBALL NEWSPAPER (www.baseballnews.com) POLL TUCSON, Ariz. — The pressures of a No. 1 national ranking caused a little unraveling at Arundel H.S., but at least two powerhouse clubs were ready to take over in the Easton Sports Original National High School poll. With Arundel (4-2) suffering two losses early in the season, Barbe of Lake Charles, La. came on like the cavalry, pushing its record to 26-0 to take over the No. 1 position in the current Easton poll. And right behind, ready to pounce if Barbe falters, is Bellaire of Tex., winners of 20 of its first 21 games, including five no-hitters by a brother combination. Arundel of Gambrills, Md. was an upset victim, losing two of its first six games and Coach Bernie Walter’s talented charges fell out of the top spot. Barbe, coached by Glenn Cecchini, had some breathtaking numbers in vaulting from No. 2 to the top spot. In its 26-0 run this season (which includes two forfeit victories), Barbe has hammered out 48 home runs, setting a new school record with much of the season remaining. Home runs have come from 10 different players. Cecchini’s high-powered team now has won 41 games in a row, including 15 last season. Thus far BHS has registered 11 shutouts, three no-hitters, two by Nick Bourgeois. Eric Bruchhaus, No. 2 pitcher who has one of the no-hitters, was injured sliding head first into third base and should be back by playoff time. Leading the HR parade are Bourgeois, 1B/P, with 11 and Austin Nagle, CF/3B, with 10. Bellaire’s statistics are just as compelling. The No. 2 ranked Texas club, coached by the veteran Rocky Manuel, has received unbelievable pitching from brothers Matt and Adam Laird. Matt already has chalked up four no-hitters. In 37 innings, he has yet to give up an earned run as he has fanned 53 batters to go with seven wins and no losses. Brother Adam likewise has a 0.00 ERA and in 20 innings has whiffed 23 with a 3-0 record. He is a sophomore while Matt is a senior. Over a 13-game span, Bellaire pitching gave up only one earned run, outscoring opponents, 110-8. The pitching staff also has tossed seven 1-hitters, with 143 strikeouts in 122 innings.
Poll Notes…Mississippi’s three perennial standout teams are at it again. Hattiesburg was 17-1, Tupelo 17-0 and Petal 14-1. Pre-season No. 1 Arundel suffered two 1-run losses as Gloucester Catholic, N.J. won the championship of the Arundel Easter Tournament with a 7-2 victory over Shenendehowa of New York. Arundel took the consolation game with a 7-6 win over Loyola H.S. One of the big surprises in Florida continues to be Westminster Academy, coached by Rich Hofman. His team is 20-1 this season.
(Top 30 Agate Follows)
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