The wait is over. Patriot baseball is back!
With fresh talent taking the field, fierce rivalries ready to ignite, and a championship chase ahead, this season is set to be unforgettable. Get ready for walk-off wins, diving catches and a great season.
As the new Patriot baseball season approaches, the excitement is shared among players, coaches, and students alike. With last year’s strong performance still fresh in everyone’s minds, the baseball team is ready to take the field and continue their winning ways.
The Patriots made it as far as to the district championship last season.
With a 25-7 record last year the Patriots are looking forward to carrying on that momentum. Luke Sullivan led the team last year with 65 strikeouts and gave up 0 home runs and each game he pitched in they won. Senior Parker Wolf allowed 0 home runs, had a .667 percentage and had 14 strikeouts. Schnieder on the other hand had a .333 batting average and hit 2 home runs.
For senior pitcher Luke Sullivan, baseball has always been a passion.
“The reason I play baseball is because I love the game,” he said.
Sullivan, along with fellow senior pitcher Parker Wolf and senior pitcher Luke Sullivan will play key roles in leading the team this season.
The baseball season kicks off on March 13 with the annual Jamboree, an event that will set the tone for the rest of the year.
“I’m excited to get back on the field,” Wolf said. “Basketball season was fun, but I’m ready to be outside again.”
Lombardo said he believes the Patriots can hold up well this season, despite some changes like losing a lot of key seniors.
“I think we’ll be similar to last year, but our style of play will be different as we have to adjust,” he said.
Junior first baseman Jordan Schneider spoke on the success from last season.
“At the beginning, I knew we were going far because all of the seniors had been playing together for four years. I was the only new player in the starting lineup,” he said.
Last season ended in dramatic fashion with a tough loss to Lafayette and Lombardo admits it was tough to swallow.
“I was upset because I felt like it was a game we could have and should have won. I don’t remember us giving up any hits,” he said.
Looking ahead, the team has circled certain matchups on their calendar, particularly Francis Howell on May 12.
“They always give us good competition,” Wolf said.
Additionally, CBC Memphis and Francis Howell are expected to be some of the toughest opponents the Patriots will face this season, said Schnieder.
For Head Coach Matt Brown, now entering his second season at the helm, this year presents both challenges and opportunities.
“With a brand-new group, there are a lot of opportunities for guys stepping into varsity roles. I feel much more prepared this year. I know the ins and outs and what to expect to help us succeed,” Brown said.
Despite losing a significant number of seniors from last year’s squad, Coach Brown is confident in the team’s ability to compete.
“I think we’ll be really good. We have a great program that’s headed in the right direction. The players coming in are very talented and have a real chance to be successful,” he said.
Sullivan, who has committed to the University of Missouri to continue his baseball career, is eager for the upcoming season.
“I’m very excited and looking forward to the opportunity,” he said.
