Initially thought of as a favorite to win their third straight West Sierra League (WSL) championship, the boys’ baseball team has floundered in their first two league games with losses to Caruthers [8-4] and Fowler [21-7].
While there are many factors contributing to the Eagles slow start, a lack of offensive firepower appears to be the most obvious.
“We have definitely dug ourselves a hole in league,” head coach Jon Hall said. “Over the last several games we haven’t hit well and we haven’t come through in clutch situations. We definitely have the opportunity to get back in the league race if we start hitting.”
The Eagles’ offensive woes have been a trend all season. However, the boys’ ineptitude has been magnified recently in close league losses. Once thought of as a strong and complete team, the Eagles pitching depth and defense are the main factors that are keeping the team competitive, according to senior catcher Seth Fisher.
“Our pitching has been good enough to keep us close in tight games so far,” Fisher said. “Our offense is struggling but once that comes around and combines with our defense we should do very well.”
Despite their offensive struggles, the boy’s have reason to hope. With a pitching rotation that boasts three experienced starters and a roster full of many seasoned varsity players; the Eagles opening league struggles will be quickly forgotten once they get a few wins under their belt.
“All we have to do is win a few games and then we’ll be fine,” Tyler Wiebe, senior pitcher and outfielder, said. “I know our team has the ability to win. It is just a matter of how soon we develop team chemistry and can put it all together on the field.”
However, despite their recent string of low scoring games, the Eagles erupted for 13 runs in a 13-6 victory over Riverdale on March 30. The offensive outbreak was led by Fisher, who had a double, triple, home run and RBI as the Eagles utilized a five-run sixth inning to take the lead. Fisher nearly hit for the cycle, coming within a single of completing one of the most impressive offensive feats in baseball. The offensive resurgence bodes well for the boys as they try to regain their old form and return to WSL dominance.
The Eagles’, 1-2, next host Tranquillity on April 2.
