Firsts can be different for everyone. For some, they are scary moments of going into the unknown. For others, they are full of turbulence and regret. In the case of senior Evan Doyle, his first start of the season was the polar opposite.
“[Evan] did great today. He looked very comfortable and smooth,” head coach Joseph Higgins told The Fanscotian. “He wasn’t forcing anything and I think he let his delivery take care of itself.”
Doyle’s strong three innings helped set the tone for the Raiders during their Saturday matinee, and propel them to a 11-1 mercy victory in five innings against the Glen Ridge Ridgers at SPFHS on April 27. The Fairleigh Dickinson commit had a delay to his first time on the mound due to injury, but he did not let this affect his performance. Overcoming a minor command issue in the first inning, Doyle looked like his normal self having five strikeouts to his name and allowing zero runs with only one hit.
“[Pitching] felt good. I am coming off a small injury, but I am pretty much back. I am happy to be pitching again,” Doyle said.
With the win, the Raiders boosted their record to 11-4, and improved their win streak to seven games in a row. For Higgins, he views this stretch as a testament to their hard work and determination.
“[I am] very proud of the way the kids have been playing lately. They’ve been playing really hard and [this streak] feels good. We just have to keep taking them one at a time,” Higgins said.
Despite the strong pitching performance by Doyle and fellow senior Matt Capozzolo (two innings with one earned run), a strong approach at the plate allowed for the Raiders to get ahead early. Two runs were first put on the scoreboard during the bottom of the second inning, when a Ridger left fielder dropped a fly ball off of the bat of sophomore Joe LaRosa, allowing two Raiders to cross home plate.
“I think we’re getting good pitches to hit and I think we’re also swinging at good pitches,” Higgins said.
Higgins believes a major key to SPF’s success is their base running skills, a tool that is often used during their games. Almost every baserunner the Raiders have ends up stealing a base, allowing for more runners to be put in scoring positions.
“Our base running has been really good for the most part, and that’s been worth a lot of runs,” Higgins said.
After an RBI single by senior Chris Kennedy in the bottom of the third inning, the Raiders had a monstrous fourth inning, where they drove in five runs. Hits by seniors Ryan Quinones, Matt Capozzolo and junior CJ Bates all added to the successful day on the diamond.
“[This streak] is no surprise to us,” Doyle said. “We knew we were going to be good this year and we’re happy to be playing well.”
SPF will travel to intercounty rivals Summit on Monday, April 29, where they will look to continue this streak of success.
“[Summit] is probably the hottest team in the county right now and we have to do what we’ve been doing,” Higgins said. “[Have] pitchers throw strikes and get some guys on base. Our guys are up for a challenge and it’s going to be a good game.”
Before the game, the SPFHS community honored the 2004 and 2009 UCT Championship baseball teams. Commemorative jerseys were distributed to former players and first pitches were thrown out by former Raiders. This celebration was accompanied by a reception that followed the game for current and former players.
