DeMers collects five hits in Senators debut
HELENA — The second varsity pitch James DeMers saw rocketed from his bat, landing 10 or 15 feet shy of the right field fence fair down the line. When the Helena Capital freshman and Helena Senators two-hole hitter stood on third base, he had his first varsity knock and RBI.
“It was really great, especially as a freshman,” DeMers said. “The guys – good support, coaches were really supportive. All-around, it’s just a great team, great experience. Super fun to play for. Always up in the dugout…
“I was a little nervous coming into the game, but it’s settled, especially with the guys. It’s just such a great group. Always cracking jokes. The nerves settled after the first at-bat.”
Advanced directly from the Helena Independents, a junior-varsity feeder program for the perennially successful Senators, DeMers finished a two-game nonconference Opening Day 5-for-6 with two runs scored, four RBI, two doubles and a triple.
A .408 hitter last season, DeMers collected four of Helena’s seven Game 2 hits, splitting time between first base and right field in a 7-2 victory and 7-3 loss to the Missoula Mavericks (6-4).
Helena Senators infielder/outfielder James DeMers (#5) catches a putout from his catcher during Game 1 of Saturday's nonconference doubleheader against the Missoula Mavericks at Kindrick Legion Field. SONNY TAPIA, Independent Record
Helena Senators outfielder Finn Doran (#8) celebrates a play with teammates during Game 1 of Saturday's nonconference doubleheader against the Missoula Mavericks at Kindrick Legion Field. SONNY TAPIA, Independent Record
