By Allison Goldsmith
I&M Sports Editor
In its largest offensive output of the season, the varsity baseball squad surged past Sturgis last Wednesday, 19-8.
Nantucket, which improved to 2-1 on the season with the win, will return from vacation with three straight games next week against Martha’s Vineyard, Chatham and a rescheduled meeting with Harwich. In recent seasons, Whaler baseball teams have been more focused following the break, according to head coach Art Crowley.
“I think we are going to be more disciplined at the plate, which is something we have been working on. Defensively, I think we are going to be OK. We filled in some holes and I like the defense at the moment,” Crowley said.
The Whalers took advantage of the game against Sturgis last Wednesday to get some of their younger pitchers time on the mound. Kodi Boughtman earned his first varsity win in the starting job. The sophomore hurler threw five innings, allowed five runs (three earned) on seven hits and five walks, while striking out nine batters. Geddes Paulsen also saw time on the mound in the game, pitching two-thirds of an inning, allowing four runs on four walks and one hit and struck out one batter.
“Kodi had a good outing. That is just where we want to start those guys, in a game like that, to give them some confidence,” Crowley said, but admitted the nine walks hurt the young pitchers.
The Storm inched to within 12-9 after six innings, but the Whalers offense put the stop to any Sturgis thought of a comeback with a six-run top of the seventh, putting the game out of reach.
The offense showed some clout throughout the line-up. Ryan Laffey provided the fireworks with a 4-for-5 day at the plate with two triples, six RBI and four runs scored. Adam Spencer had a perfect 4-for-4 day with three runs scored, while Paulsen (two RBI) and Griffin LaFleur each went 3-for-5. Derrick Maxwell also chipped in with three hits and Leibowitz provided a 2-for-5 performance including a two-run double. The Whalers also had hits from Boughtman (2-for-4, three runs) and Nick Slade (2-for-3) among their 22 in the game.
“We got everyone in the game, defensively or offensively. It is nice to have a day where you are hitting the ball,” Crowley said. “We are still looking for some bats. Laffey showed us something at the plate, Spencer has done really well over the course of all three games and Leibowitz is showing some power. LaFleur, Maxwell and Paulsen, we expect those guys to get the hits. Those guys are stepping up, and we needed the other guys to step up and those three proved themselves,” Crowley said.
The Whalers scored in every inning except the fifth and sixth, picking up two in the first and second, three in the third before breaking loose with five in the fourth and a game-capping six runs in the seventh. After Sturgis came within three runs in the bottom of the sixth, Leibowitz doubled to open the seventh, followed by singles from Spencer and Boughtman. With the bases loaded Laffey hit one of his two triples of the game, driving in three runs.LaFleur singled to drive in Laffey.
Leibowitz came on in relief in the sixth inning and pitched an inning and a third without allowing any hits, runs or walks while striking out three batters.
Defensively for Nantucket, Slade played well at third base, while behind the plate LaFleur did a good job with the sophomore pitchers, Crowley said. |
