In an abrupt turn of events, the varsity baseball team has advanced to the start of the playoffs after beating Fossil Ridge High School 4-3 on May 12.
Despite facing a significant setback with three of their star pitchers sidelined due to injuries, the team persevered and ultimately gained the victory in their first game, which will bring them to the playoffs.
Their next game will be Saturday, May 17, at Windsor. The game could decide their streak and bring them to the next round of the playoffs.
With the setback that threw their team off track, the coaches and team alike have come up with new ideas to not only function as a team, but also to bring in the win. The coaches have allowed other athletes to advance their pitching skills. Chris Valerio (11) was put in the most recent game, successfully at that.
“For me, it was just staying calm while I was on the mound. I couldn’t get too much in my head, but with the team’s support, it made it a lot easier to just pitch and not worry about the score,” Valerio explained.
Allowing other athletes to try new positions is found to be significant not only to the coaches but to the team as well. It allows other athletes to find what they may excel in, as well as help bring the team to success.
Star pitcher Ethan Fillinger (12) is out for the season due to injury. With a Division I scholarship on the line, Fillinger is doing everything he can to rest himself and get better as soon as possible.
“I have been going to physical therapy with Darrel Martin to regain the strength in my arm. I’ve just been playing through the pain. But I am clearer to play upon my pain rating,” Fillinger stated.
Though it is hard on the team, they are figuring out ways to work around the injuries to continue to be a force. With upcoming games in mind, the team is still working to advance further into the playoffs.
“We will be advancing into the next round of playoffs because we won our last two games. It means a lot to not just our coaches, but the seniors who are hurt. I hope we can win for them,” Valerio said.
