The Baldwin baseball team defeated Shaler 5-3 on Thursday.

With the win, the team’s overall record moved to 9-2. The Highlanders have a section record of 5-1, and they are tied for first place with Thomas Jefferson.

Freshman Gavin Stock credited the team’s defensive play.

“We had a very good defensive game,” Stock said. “We were very strong in the field.” 

Both Stock and senior Tyler Dingus said that senior Nico Macurak stood out for his performance in the game. 

“Nico played really well during that game,” Stock said. “He had a great defensive game at second base and got player of the game.” 

Stock also gave credit to Dingus’s pitching, saying he only gave up four hits and one run. 

“He closed out the game and threw a ton of strikes, which really helped us,” Stock said.

Many players contributed on offense, and each Baldwin run was scored by a different player.  

Although the Highlanders played a good game, they still have room to improve. 

“We could definitely hit better and put the ball in play more,” Dingus said. 

Shaler had a strong offensive game, but did not bring in enough runs to win the game.  

“They were able to hit, but our defense was prepared,” Dingus said. 

Baldwin will face Connellsville at home at 4 p.m. Monday.