By: Sean Moylan
Art Steffen knew coming into this season that his Life Center Academy boys’ varsity baseball team would struggle with its pitching.
Nonetheless, even without the strong arms the Warriors proved they haven’t forgotten how to win the close ones with a 9-8 triumph over Mercer Christian in last Thursday’s home opener.
Matt Lloyd was the hero with four hits, including a game-winning double.
"It was tied 8-8 in the bottom of the seventh and he (Lloyd) had a double that brought in (Mike) Marino," said Steffen.
"Matt Lloyd showed me something with those four hits and a walk."
Andrew Mochi provided LCA with some much-needed thrills when he came in the game with two outs, bases loaded and the score knotted at 4-4 in the third and fanned a batter.
"Andrew Mochi got the win. He had never pitched a game in his life!" added Steffen.
"It was an exciting game."
LCA collected 15 hits in the contest, including four by Marino (two doubles) and two by David Cotton (a doubles), who are two of LCA’s big guns.
LCA starter Jacob Foerter helped his own cause with a triple while Mochi collected a double.
"Matt McDonald…he made two fantastic sliding catches today (Thursday)," noted Steffen.
Although Steffen was concerned with the dozen runners his club left on base, he was pleased with their comeback abilities.
"If the bottom of the lineup connects with the ball we can win Penn-Jersey…We’re undefeated now…we’re on a streak," laughed Steffen, whose club is 1-0 and counting.
LCA is now scheduled at Moorestown Friends tomorrow (Friday). It is scheduled to host Solebury School on Tuesday.
SOFTBALL
The Life Center Academy girls’ varsity softball team flattened Mercy Vo-Tech, 19-0, at Florence last Thursday. Bethany Hester led the Warriors’ attack by hitting for the cycle.
LCA is scheduled at Trenton Central High School today (Thursday). It is scheduled to host Soelbury Prep on Sunday and Mercer Christian on Tuesday.
