LAYTON— It was ugly.

No, not the baseball played in Cyprus' 11-8 win over Layton Friday afternoon. Rather the post-game melee during the two teams' handshakes.

No one is sure how it began — both sides have different tales. This much is certain, several players from both teams engaged in fisticuffs for several minutes, with the brawl spreading through most on both teams before the coaches and a Layton administrator regained control and separated everyone.

"I am not sure why it happened, but I am glad that nobody was seriously hurt," said Layton coach Robert Ferneau. "It doesn't take much when the teams are competing so hard, a couple of words is all. And then teammates always feel they need to stick up for each other and defend their honor."

There are players from both squads that certainly deserve disciplinary action. The only problem lies in that there was so much going on so quickly, that unless some type of further evidence comes out, it will be difficult for either side to sort things out and dish out the punishment fairly.

The post-game ugliness mars the fact that Cyprus, ranked No. 2 in 4A, is quietly compiling a terrific preseason. With the win over the Lancers, the Pirates have three straight over 5A opponents. But if not for some grittiness, this one could have resulted in a loss.

Taylor Jones started on the mound, keeping Layton in check for three innings by allowing only one hit and no runs while striking out five and walking one.

Lancer starter Gavin Green countered with two runs and three hits over three innings, walking four. The problems arose for both teams when they went to the bullpen.

"We are still looking for guys to step in and throw some innings after our starters are tired," said Cyprus coach Bob Fratto. "You are going to need more than just two starters if you want to succeed in the tournament."

Cyprus scored four runs in the top of the fourth to go up 6-0, aided by Jordan Ikari's three-run double.

Layton answered with eight runs in the bottom of the inning, as Cyrus walked three and hit another batter. Green and Jeremy Hayward had an RBI each, Aaron Burgin a two-run single and Bo Jensen a three-run double.

The Pirates responded, loading the bases as Austin Shakespear was hit by a pitch and Dexter Fisher and Cody Butler both singled. Justin Eggers then crushed a grand slam over the left-field wall.

"I was just looking for my pitch, something up and in, and I got it and drove it hard," said Eggers. "It is my first varsity home run, and my first grand slam ever. I didn't even hit one in little league."

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E-mail: mblack@desnews.com