By Andy Hutchison

TRUMBULL — It is one thing to knock off a top-ranked opponent, but to also hand that opposition its first loss in conference play … in a six-run mercy rule no contest, no less, is quite another.

Staples baseball did all of the above, crushing host Trumbull 11-1 in a six-inning FCIAC battle on Monday. Trumbull was the No. 2 team in the state rankings and had gotten off to a 10-0 start as the only unbeaten squad in conference play. The Eagles fell to 13-2-1 overall (the team had a rare 4-4 tie with Notre Dame-West Haven); Staples improved to 12-4 and 10-1 in FCIAC action.

Mark Kelly broke the game open with a three-run double in a four-run third inning and everybody in the Wrecker lineup collected at least one knock in a 12-hit attack on Trumbull pitching that had allowed no more than seven runs, and a half dozen times held the opposition to two or less runs.

Additionally, the Wreckers held a lineup that had put up seven or more runs a whopping 10 times in check.

Connor Brill had a double and RBI and Jules Cicero doubled and drove in a pair and Jack Jacob had a hit and two runs batted in. Cole Landgraf and Vincent Vega both delivered two hits and a run batted in. Nolan Walters had a hit and RBI. Mason Tobias, Landgraf and Paul Dottori each added hits.

On the mound, Lukas Snow got the win with five strong innings, allowing six hits and striking out four. Landgraf tossed a scoreless frame, allowing one hit and fanning two batters.