March 14, 2021

By Jacques Lanciault

Quebec’s Mr. Baseball

It took until the fourth game of the series between the Sacramento State University Hornets and Tarleton State University Texans to witness a Quebecois vs. Quebecois match-up between pitcher Zachary Gagnon and Martin Vincelli-Simard.

In the third inning of Sunday’s game, Vincelli-Simard hit a ground ball off Gagnon (Sainte-Julie, Que.) that Texans shortstop Corey Young misplayed and Vincelli-Simard reached first base on an error.

Then, in the fifth inning, the two Quebecers faced each other again and Vincelli-Simard singled.

Gagnon came in in relief in the second inning with the Hornets leading 9-0. They eventually won 20-5.

When Gagnon entered the contest, there was only one out and a runner on base, but the Guerriers de Granby alum got out of the inning without allowing a run.

Then in the third, fourth and fifth innings, the 20-year-old gave up a run in each frame.

In total, Gagnon worked three innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits.

Vincelli-Simard (Sainte-Thérèse, Que.), a Gatineau Tyrants player during the summer months, went 1-for-6 with a run and two RBIs — his ninth and 10th of the season.

3B Steven Moretto (Coquitlam, BC) also doubled, singled and drove in a pair of runs for the Hornets, while RHP Noah Takacs (Victoria, BC) started for the Hornets and allowed four runs on three hits and one walk in 2 2/3 innings.

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In game 3 of the series (March 13) ... Vincelli-Simard had a two-run single for the Hornets to give his team a 3-0 lead in their game against Tarleton State in a 16-13 loss.

Vincelli-Simard also added two more hits, finishing the game 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs. The Junior National Team alum’s two RBIs were his seventh and eighth of the season.

RHP Eli Saul (Vancouver, BC) started for the Hornets allowing five runs on five hits and two walks in two innings, while Moretto singled.

In the second game of the doubleheader (March 12)... Neither Gagnon or Vincelli-Simard appeared in the game. Moretto singled, doubled and drove in three runs for the Hornets in their 17-3 win.

In the opener of the doubleheader (March 12) ... Gagnon faced the Hornets, but did not face Vincelli-Simard.

Gagnon was brought in in the seventh and final inning. It was his second outing as a reliever after starting three games. After conceding a walk to the first batter, he struck out the side.

Gagnon did not face Vincelli-Simard, who had a strong game as the Hornets’ DH, going 2-for-4 with a double in his team’s 6-0 win.

Moretto also had an RBI for the Hornets.