In a baseball context, Lisbon High School pitching ace Kyle Bourget destroyed the curve.

Bourget received medical clearance to return 4 months and 16 days after suffering the injury in a football playoff game. He continued the amazing comeback Friday, spinning a complete-game three-hitter to lead the Greyhounds past Saint Dominic Academy, 2-1.

“They said it was possible if you push yourself. That was just my goal, getting back for the first game,” Bourget said. “It feels great. It was a long recovery. To beat one of the toughest teams in the league starts our season off strong.”

Long in terms of commitment and anxiety, yes.

Bourget had surgery on his right knee shortly after the mishap Nov. 7, then went to physical therapy twice a week while maintaining a religious commitment to the gym.

On March 23, the day pitchers and catchers reported for spring workouts, Bourget handed Lisbon coach Randy Ridley a doctor’s note that gave him permission to play in earnest.

“I was expecting him to be ready by playoffs. That was our goal, but this is amazing,” Ridley said. “He kept himself in such great shape that he was able to recover quickly. It didn’t look like he lost much.”

His velocity might be down a whisker, attributable to a brace on the knee, the still-recovering strength in his leg and the 42-degree game time temperature.

Bourget’s efficiency and location, however, were top-notch. He didn’t allow a hit until the fourth inning, struck out four and walked only one in the season opener for both teams.

“Kyle pitched well,” St. Dom’s coach Bob Blackman said. “He threw strikes and kept his pitch count down. I wouldn’t have expected anything less than that from him.”

Mitch Lorenz was nearly his equal. St. Dom’s senior left-hander struck out nine, scattered six hits and surrendered only one earned run.

Lisbon left 13 runners on base, seven in scoring position.

“We’ve got a great team this year,” Bourget said. “We’ve got to hit the ball in clutch situations. We were lucky enough that we got two runs today and got the win.”

The Greyhounds grabbed both runs in the top of the second.

Tyler Halls led off with a single to right field, advanced to second on an errant pickoff throw and stole third. Darren Ward and Nick Lerette each walked to load the bases.

Troy Galarneau hit a slow roller to second that resulted in a failed fielder’s choice, plating Hall. Ryley Austin followed with an RBI single. Lorenz averted further damage with back-to-back strikeouts.

“We didn’t play well defensively. We were really on our heels,” Blackman said. “I’m a little disappointed. I expected better out of this group. I thought they were prepared, but they didn’t play like they were today.”

St. Dom’s committed four errors. Lisbon was charged with three.

Bourget retired nine consecutive Saints after issuing Ray Mosca the lone walk to start the game.

Mike Bryant broke the spell, christening the fourth frame with an infield single. He moved up on a passed ball and scampered home on freshman Gavin Bates’ two-out single to center.

Lerette threw out Sam Blaisdell’s attempted steal to end the fifth. Second baseman R.J. Sargent, also the lone repeat hitter in the game, robbed Ryan Harvey with his snare of a blistering one-hopper in the seventh.

“We played great defense,” Bourget said. “I was just throwing strikes. They were putting the ball in play, and my team played great today.”

Nate Richard singled with two out, but Bourget ended it by coaxing Justin Keaney into a pop to Austin at shortstop.

“I can’t be happier. These kids played a great game. They were really focused for this,” Ridley said. “Honestly this is probably the most relaxed I’ve ever been at a baseball game, just from pregame and the way they walked on that field. I said ‘These guys are ready to play. I don’t have to do anything.’”

koakes@sunjournal.com