Baseball team clutches victory

On March 29, the boys’ baseball team opened the season with a 7-6 win against Red Land. The game took place at the Altoona Curve PNG Field. 

Head coach Tom Smith knew the baseball team was ready for the first home game. 

“Our players were pretty excited for our first home game because we got to play at PNG Field, the home of the Altoona Curve,” Smith said. “It’s always exciting for both of our players and parents when we get to play at the Curve Field.”

Smith and the team played until the last out. The team won the game with a walkoff. 

“It was a great sign for our team when we scored four runs in the last inning to win,” Smith said. “It only helps to promote what we tell our kids before every game. We try to instill in them that you have to play all seven innings whether you are winning or losing.”

According to Smith, when each player gets better, the team gets better. Players have to gain confidence in themselves.

“In order to be successful this year, our players have to be willing to make the necessary adjustments for them to do better,” Smith said. 

Freshman Tanner Stroup was credited with the win in his first high school pitching appearance by the coaches and fellow team members. 

“It was honestly one of the best feelings ever,” Stroup said. “The way the team was rowdy all game, especially when we came back and Brennan Friewald hit the walk off single to win the game. It was my top highlight in high school so far. At the end of the game, we all ran out onto the field and got soaked with water. Winning the game at the Curve stadium was such a surreal feeling.”

Stroup is grateful to play on the varsity team as a freshman. 

“I have a great feeling about the rest of our season,” Stroup said. “The team last year got off to a slow start but then came back to win the D6 game which was incredible. We have so many talented players on the field, and I have no doubt we will be back again this year to win another title.”

Senior Evan Alwine prepared for the first home game more on the physical side of things.  

“We were only able to practice outside a handful of times prior to the season which meant we were playing with little team chemistry,” Alwine said. “We also just lost to State College, so we all had a bad taste in our mouths and wanted to get into the win column. I would also say we were extra fired up because we got to play our first home game at the Curve stadium.”

Alwine plans to stick to his routines and work hard.   

“As time goes on, the team is going to come together and get more comfortable with each practice and game we have,” Alwine said. “We had a similar 1-4 start to the season last year and ended up finishing 15-7 and there is no reason our team this year can’t do the same thing.”