Baseball
By: Steve Feitl
It’s been a roller coaster ride for the Lawrence High School baseball team so far this season.
They started climbing the first hill during the very first game of the season, but then bottomed out with consecutive losses to Hopewell Valley and West Windsor-Plainsboro South.
But like any good thrill ride, the Cardinals shot right back up and are now speeding back up, looking for new heights.
Head coach Brian Carter was pleased with the Cardinals’ opening win over Ewing on April 1, and not perturbed when his squad fell to Hopewell Valley, 6-0, two days later.
Lawrence faced a HoVal hot pitcher in Matt Barrett, who allowed just one hit and one walk, while striking out eight Cardinals.
However, the loss to West Windsor-Plainsboro South on April 4 was disappointing, according to Carter.
The Cardinals faced a senior pitcher making his varsity debut in B.J. Watkin.
Lawrence was able to threaten in the very first inning and had the chance to get to the nervous starter early. Unfortunately for Lawrence, the squad was turned away and the Pirates went on to defeat the Cardinals, 12-2.
"We had a chance to score a couple of early runs, but we didn’t get it done," Carter said. "They went on to dominate us."
But thankfully, the doldrums didn’t last long.
The Cardinals evened their record at 2-2 Monday with an impressive 9-5 win over Princeton.
Charlie Park led the offensive attack, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored and two RBIs. His double in the first started the offensive flurry, as Mike Bruschini drove him in with a double of his own.
Starter Kevin Schneider cruised through most of the early innings while his teammates helped stake him a 8-0 lead. Unfortunately, the Princeton bats did come alive and the Little Tigers eventually reached Schneider.
"Schneider didn’t have his best stuff," Carter said. "But he threw well enough to win."
In all, it was a positive experience for the Cardinals, according to the coach.
"I’m proud of them for bouncing back like this," Carter said.
He’s also hoping they can keep the momentum going to top their preseason goal of 10 wins. In each of the last two seasons, the Lawrence squads have ended up 9-15.
Carter thinks these Cardinals can do better.
"I don’t think we were a 9-15 team either of the last two years, and if we can get to 10 wins, hopefully we can then get over that hump," he said.
The Cardinals rely on a good deal of senior leadership. Five seniors make up the nucleus of the Lawrence team. Along with ace pitcher Schneider, third baseman Mike Cacciabaudo and second baseman Bruschini are back, as are twin brothers Matt and Brian Noble.
Lawrence has also gotten a lift from Park, the junior that has already filled in a first base, designated hitter and pitcher. And sophomore center fielder John Haggerty has been strong leading off games for the Cardinals. He has six stolen bases in the first four games of the season.
After games against Steinert Wednesday and Trenton today (Thursday), the Cardinals step into the Hamilton West Tournament on Saturday.
Carter is looking forward to the challenge for his squad.
"It will be a good opportunity to see just where we’re at," Carter said.