Coach Jeff Willis’s final words summed the closing game and the season for the boys varsity baseball team.
‘We’re a young team,? said Willis. ‘It was basically a learning experience.?
The final lesson was on Saturday as the boys hosted rivals Lake Orion Dragons in the semi-final district playoff game.
Sophomore Keith Paslean struck out one Dragon during the first inning and threw no earned runs.
Lake Orion recpricated by allowing no runs, as well, and gained control at the top of the second inning with two runs.
Junior Alex Seiner hit a double and brought in one run to put the Cats on the scoreboard.
It was during the third inning lessons were learned as scored six runs before they had their first out.
‘When you give a good team too many outs, they capitalize on it,? said Willis. ‘They hit the ball today and we didn’t.?
The Cats came back a little during the bottom of the fifth inning.
Junior Eric Perry hit a double and brought a man in. Senior Geoff Charles brought in one more run as the game finished, 15-3.
‘We were as much in the ball game as they were. We just couldn’t make plays,? said Willis. ‘We knew we had to hit the ball. We prepared ourselves knowing what we had to do. We knew they didn’t have an overpowering pitcher.?
Charles hit 2-for-3.
Anthony Luciano hit a double.
The team loses Charles and Nick Trombella to graduation this Sunday.
‘They definitely have leadership qualities. They will be missed,? said Willis.
The rest will be back and ready for avenge their season closer.
‘It was an experience for everybody,? said Willis. ‘Returners can bring back the experience they had today. They know this isn’t the kind of baseball we are used to playing. It’s just unfortunate. We are a better ball team then this.?
The boys finished the season 6-17-1.