The Schreiber Varsity Baseball Team edged out the Baldwin Bruins 2-1 thanks to an outstanding pitching performance from junior Dexter Jarach and two runs batted in by sophomore Jack Stolper. The Vikings were able to hold off the Bruins due to fantastic pitching and terrific defense. Head Coach Matt Holzer was very pleased with the team’s performance and their excellent start. The team is 3-0.
“Today was a big win and a great way to start league play,” said Holzer. “Our pitching and defense was our strength heading into the season. In the first three games, it really carried us.”
Jarach tossed a complete game, striking out six batters and allowed five hits and no earned runs in the win. A big factor in his game was working his way out of trouble with runners on base and picking off some guys as well.
“I think controlling the game was really beneficial,” said Jarach. “It kept my pitch count low and it let me get out of some innings that might have been hairy otherwise.”
The Bruins would open up the scoring in the top of the second inning. After striking out three of the first four batters he faced, Jarach worked himself into trouble immediately. He walked a batter and gave up a single. Then two batters later, the runners advanced. The Bruins tacked on the game’s first run with a play mishandled up the middle. An outfield assist by senior centerfielder Ryan Delmonte prevented the Bruins from adding another run. After this, Jarach settled down and kept the Bruins off the scoreboard for the rest of the game.
The Vikings responded in the bottom half of the second as Delmonte was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Two batters later, after Delmonte advanced twice on wild pitches, Stolper drove in the tying run with a single.
Two innings later, Delmonte led the inning off by reaching on an error, setting up the eventual game winning run by Stolper. Stolper ground out to first as Delmonte scored from third to give the Vikings the lead. The Vikings held on as Jarach continued his dominant pitching.
“He was great,” said Holzer. “He mixed up his locations and speed. He kept them off balance and when we let guys on, he didn’t waver mentally and stayed focused.”
Despite the lack of offense, the Vikings played to their strengths and they were able to execute when they had to. However, their pitching and defense has been the difference maker so far this year. To win it all, it will still need to be a factor as the games become more and more important.
“I say our pitching and defense keeps us in games,” said Jarach. “When our pitching and defense is good, we can hang around with any team. There’s a lot of confidence going in this year.”
