BELFAST — The Belfast varsity baseball team opened up its new season with a new head coach with a victory Monday, April 22 in Belfast. 

After nearly four decades with George Ross at the helm of the program, Chris LaValle, who is, himself, no stranger to the school’s athletic department, took over following Ross’ retirement after 37 seasons. 

In the season opening contest, Belfast collected a 5-2 victory over Erskine Academy to start the season with a 1-0 record. 

The Lions plated two runs in the first and sixth innings, and one run in the fifth. Erskine plated one run in each the fourth and sixth frames. 

Belfast collected nine hits and Erskine had six. 

Belfast committed two errors, while Erskine committed none. 

Jason Bartlett (six innings, six hits, two runs, one earned run, one walk, two strikeouts) and Dakota Payson (one inning, walk) pitched for Belfast.  

Lucas Anderson (4.2 innings, seven strikeouts, five hits, three earned runs, one walk) and Jackson Allen (1.1 innings, one strikeout, four hits, two earned runs, two walks) worked the mound for Erskine. 

At the plate for Belfast were Tanner Veilleux (two runs), Luke Hamlin (run, double, two RBIs), Bartlett (two singles), Payson (single, double, RBI), Dylan Abbott (two singles, RBI), Chris Kelley (single, RBI) and Eamon Goscinski (single). 

At the plate for Erskine were Caden Turcotte (single), Nick Barber (single, run), Nick Howard (run), Anderson (single), Allen (single) and Bryce Goff (two singles, RBI). 

The Lions will hit the road for its next contest Wednesday, April 24 against Lincoln Academy at 4 p.m. 

Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.