EP Townies Beat Top Ranked Hendricken behind 3 hit Shutout Pitching of JJ Renaud & Team Defense

"Lefty" Hallene played a flawless first base with stellar defense all game

Number one ranked Hendricken High School came into East Providence High Thursday night as a strong favorite to stay undefeated on the season. But the young Townies had a different idea. Sophomore JJ Renaud pitched a complete game shutout allowing the Hawks just three hits while striking out seven. Renaud, who played for the Hendricken JV team last year, decided to transfer to his home EP Townies and hasn’t disappointed Townie nation. Renaud hurled a no-hitter against Portsmouth in his first ever varsity pitching appearance and kept the Hawks scoreless in Thursday’s 3-0 win.

“It was a big game obviously, and we try not to individualize teams we play, but we knew going into this week that we had two huge games with Westerly and Hendricken,” said Townie Head Coach Bobby Rodericks after the game. “This is only my second time beating Hendricken as a coach and it was very special with JJ on the mound coming over from Hendricken last year. He showed a lot on the mound tonight. JJ got out of a bases loaded, no outs situation in the last inning. Just an awesome performance,” said the Townie coach. At one point late in the game, Renaud seemed to experience some leg discomfort on his plant leg. He was visited on the mound by the coach and team trainer but stayed in the game. “I had a relief pitcher warming up in the bullpen just in case but JJ told me ‘get that kid out of there, I’m not coming out.”

The Townies jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Kyle Desrosiers grounded out, scoring one run, and a dropped third strike scored two runs. Kyle Desrosiers and Lefty Hallene were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in one run for East Providence. The Townies had patience at the plate, piling up seven walks for the game. Jayden Healey and Max Correiro led the team with two bases on balls each. Max Correiro and Gavin Palombo each stole two bases with the Townies stealing six bases in the game. East Providence turned a key double play in the game and didn't commit a single error. Jamison Sydney was solid behind the plate.

After the game Renaud credited his teammates with playing great defense to compliment his pitching. “That last inning when they loaded the bases with no outs, I just kept on with one pitch at a time, trusting my defense. Lefty (Hallene) was great on first base and the team executed plays all night. It was definitely a special win. I felt I had to prove something and I think I did. It feels good,” said the 10th grade Townie. “It was special playing again with all my friends I grew up with in EP and having family involved. I’m having a great time here, it’s fun.”

Former East Providence teacher, coach and Townie Hall of Famer, Bob Fontes was at the game. “I’ve been following baseball games at the high school level for over 70 years. Renaud’s pitching tonight was the gutsiest performance I’ve ever seen.”

The Townies will take on Narragansett High on Saturday morning in an away game at 11:00 AM.