The baseball team enters today’s playoff game after finishing in third place in the section.
Junior Tyler Geary credits a lot of the team’s success to their pitching.
“Our defense and pitching has been really good this year – that’s what’s kept us in a lot of games,” Geary said.
Younger talent has also been a big help, senior Luke Thompson said.
“We have two young pitchers, (sophomore) Hudson McKain and (freshman) Gavin Stock. Gavin Stock is one of our most successful pitchers. When he isn’t pitching, he is our designated hitter or first baseman,” Thompson said.
Geary also recognized junior catcher Aiden Robinson as crucial to the pace of the game.
“He controls the field and slows us down when we need to, and he brings us back life with a couple of the big swings he’s had this year,” Geary said.
Senior Ethan Helbling believes that the team’s attitude and history have also been a major part of what’s pushed them forward.
“This season has been different from other seasons because of our attitude,” Helbling said.
In years prior, we could barely win games. But last year we made playoffs and had a winning record, so this year we came in having a great attitude, having the confidence in every game to help win games.”
The Highlanders had been seeking a first-place finish in the section, but several losses late in the season bumped the team down.
“We were tied for first place up until our two section games against Montour. We lost both, and that put us in third place and ended up being our third loss of the season,” Thompson said.
Despite the losses, Geary remains optimistic going into the playoffs.
“We’re still a top team, and we’re not playing our best baseball, but we’re hopefully going to catch a hot streak and figure it out,” he said.
Junior Matthew Musial agreed.
“I am confident in our team going into the playoffs. We have some experience, and I feel like we can make a good run,” said Musial.
The team has not only had a successful season on the field, but also outside of practice and games.
“The best part of the season has been the bonding we have had through each game and practice and all hanging out outside of the sport,” Helbling said.
The team plays against Moon 6:30 p.m. today at Peters Township and is going in with high expectations.
Helbling praises the team’s attitude and work while practicing for the game.
“I am feeling pretty confident going into this game tonight,” Helbling said. “I believe we have been prepping very well at practice, and the team’s morale is very high going into this game.”
Musial believes the playoffs are a fresh start for the team.
“We have had our ups and downs this season, but now that the playoffs have started, everyone is 0-0, and anything can happen,” Musial said.
Thompson agreed
“I am pretty confident because I feel like we will end up getting out of the slump we are in right now and getting on a real hot streak and going really deep into the playoffs,” Thompson said.
