CONYERS - The Eastside High baseball team was expecting big things Friday evening at Danny Blue Field, such as an upset over number one seeded Heritage.
Instead, the Eagles (3-9 overall, 3-7 Region 8-AAAA South) were dealt an 11-1 blow in six innings.
"We squandered our opportunities," said Eastside assistant coach Jason Stokes, who was filling in for head coach Michael Poor. "We were in it in the beginning and then it just got out of hand."
The Eagles jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning after an RBI single by Tim Roton.
Not only did Roton need to deliver at the plate, he also had to shut down or at least contain the Patriots' (11-2, 11-0) high-powered offense. But the Eagles quickly found themselves down 5-1 after some first inning blues, as Roton allowed three hits while walking one.
Two first inning errors committed by his defense didn't help matters, either, proving that Eastside would be in for a long night.
Unable to capitalize on key opportunities, the Eagles wasted back-to-back innings regarding scoring opportunities after leaving two runners on in the second and the bases loaded in the third.
Getting out of hand was a polite way of putting it as the Eagles gave Heritage another run in the second. After Tyler Austin walked and then stole second and third, he scored after a throwing error was committed by Eastside.
Brandon Thomas blasted a long home run in the fourth inning to give the Patriots a 7-1 lead.
Despite getting more chances to score later in the game, Eastside was not able to take advantage. Going toe-to-toe with a state powerhouse, the Eagles once again permitted errors to get the best of them after committing five, while the pitching staff allowed 11 hits.
In addition, the Patriots were flawless in the field, registering a goose egg in the errors column.
Keaton Anglin, Cameron Davenport, Kyle Durand and Roton recorded a hit apiece for the Eagles.
Eastside will next host Salem at 5:30 p.m. Monday.