By Don Ketchum

A double play might be a pitcher’s best friend, but there also is something to be said for scoring several runs in the early innings.

“It definitely takes a lot of the pressure off,’’ said Phoenix Bourgade Catholic baseball coach Greg Henke.

Henke’s pitcher, right-hander Ryan Rodiles, was the recipient of his hitters’ productivity on Tuesday (April 12). The Golden Eagles scored four runs in the first inning, two more in the second and two in the third and cruised to an 8-1 Class 2A West Region victory over visiting Phoenix Scottsdale Christian.

Bourgade, the defending state champion and No. 4 in power points entering the week, raised its record to 16-5. Scottsdale Christian, No. 8 in power points, dropped to 12-8.

Rodiles gave up seven hits through 6 1/3 innings before right-handed relief specialist Joe Gallucci came on to retire the final two batters.

“Our pitcher (Rodiles) kept everything down,’’ Henke said. “He didn’t give them much of a chance to hit anything hard, and when they did, it always seemed to go right to our outfielders.’’

Bourgade scored all of its runs in the first inning before an out was recorded. The outburst included four hits, two hit batters. One of the runs scored on a delayed double steal. It could have been much worse, as Bourgade left the bases full.

Four more hits and two errors figured in the two Bourgade runs in the second inning. A two-run single by Blake Comella was the big hit in the third inning. Bourgade had 11 hits in the first three innings, but only one after that.

Scottsdale Christian scored its run in the fourth inning on a leadoff home run by Brad Winsbury.

In the final three weeks of the regular season, Bourgade will start gearing up for the state tournament.

“It will be a nice set-up for us with some back-to-back games, just like you have in the tournament,’’ Henke said.

The coach alternates between Rodiles and Dan Hass as his main pitchers, with Gallucci ready to shut the door when necessary.

Henke believes Gallucci, who features a nasty curveball, will be one of the keys for his team.

Some more early runs certainly wouldn’t hurt, either.