Men’s baseball battles hard in weekend series against Monclair State

By MACKENZIE HARD

Staff Writer

This weekend the baseball team went up against Montclair State University for their season opening. There were four games throughout the weekend with the Eagles coming out even, winning two out of the four games.

“I am encouraged by our opening weekend. We showed a lot of heart and character and battled until the end in all of our games. We showed we are not going go down without a fight and when we are up, we will try to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said sophomore Business Administration major, Robert Cross.

“Based off the first few games I think we will have a good season if the team continues to grow and play well together consistently throughout the season,” said sophomore Business Administration major, Garrett Lyons.

“I think based off of the first six games, we are going to be a very competitive team. We are not going to dominate many teams, but we will absolutely make every game close and hard fought, said junior Computer Science major, Kevin France.

Overall there are thirty-nine games that are scheduled for this season. “I think that I am most looking forward to facing our conference opponents,” said Cross.

“For me, I am most looking forward to playing Salisbury and CNU this season,” said Lyons. “I also always look forward to playing CNU and Salisbury, they have been the two teams to beat since I have been here, and we beat CNU last year, so we are looking to repeat that,” commented France. The team will host CNU on Wednesday, Mar. 28 at 3 p.m. and will play Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland on Saturday, Apr. 12 at 12 and 3 p.m.

This year there are twenty-eight players, three of which are seniors. With twenty eight people, there is a lot of support for everyone on the team. “The team is really close and connected this year and I think that will contribute positively to our success this year,” said Lyons. “One of my favorite pre-game rituals is cracking jokes in the dugout and favorite post game ritual is definitely Big Tarp.”

“The team dynamic this year is fun. We are all young and get along with each other really well. Because everyone is so new, we are all developing our relationships really well,” responded France. “My favorite pre-game ritual would be saying a prayer to give thanks to God for the day and everything leading up to the day.”

“The team mends well together. We all hang out together off the field and have fun together in every situation on or off the field. We’re all out there competing for each other and trying to accomplish goals. After the games, it’s always nice hanging with the guys and talking about the games. It’s nice to decompress with your best friends,” said Cross.

Throughout the season, games will be hosted at the Athletic complex by the Tennis center – the trick is to get people out to the games. “I think we could get more people to come to games by opening the concessions more often, making more activities available for kids, and having family days with free giveaways or promotions,” said Cross. Lyons agreed and said that, “having more promotions and activities for fans to stay involved in the game,” would encourage more people to come out.

“Baseball is tricky to attract people to. How good the team is plays a part, but also the bleachers just are not the best to watch from. Because they are uncovered, it is always right in the sun, so it can be really hot and bright. I would also consider concessions or little mid-inning giveaways or something in the stands. Activities on the field could be hard because of the netting,” suggested France.

The next home game will be Saturday Mar. 3 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. against Messiah College.