Loyola Academy’s varsity baseball team made a comeback after a tough game against DePaul college prep held at Kerry Wood field in Chicago with a final score of 3-0.
It was the perfect day for a game of baseball. With the sun shining and the rare warm weather, Loyola’s varsity baseball team took on DePaul college prep on May 6.
The team had been dealing with many injuries affecting five of their key players. This game was the first of many where the injured players were back in and ready to win after resting up their bodies.
“We had 5 injuries; 3 of the 5 had a torn labrum, and one hurt his elbow,” Ben Stein said. “A junior tore his UCL and was the best pitcher on the team, so he is out for the rest of the season.”
Four out of the five were finally back in for the game, and based on the outcome, they were better than ever before.
In the top of the first inning, senior John Vance stole home after the pitcher made a wild pitch, which advanced senior Dre Lazar to second base. The crowd went wild due to the team having a good start to the game.
In the top of the sixth inning, senior Ryan Garafoli made a bunt single, which brought junior Tommy Reagan in from third base to home.
Following the amazing play, the bottom of the sixth inning had senior Caleb Corbett hit a sacrifice fly to the outfielder, which brought Dre Lazar to home. A good game for the Ramblers newly healed players.
The players all together had a very close, well-knit bond. Each player supported one another whether they were pitching, batting, or simply out on the field. The boys worked hard as a team, and each player showcased their strengths throughout the game. Due to that immense supportive and encouraging environment, the team finished off with a clean win.
“We have a lot of talent throughout our roster with a lot of guys that want to work hard and are consistent,” Stein said. “Our strategy was to get ahead in the count, start off with a strike and go from there.”
After the game, Coach Wawrzyniak, the pitching coach for the team, spoke about what strategies and mindset he implemented going into the game.
“Obviously we like to go in confidently, but we knew it was going to be a tough game,” Coach Wawrzyniak said. “We knew we had to throw a lot of strikes and get ahead of the count, especially with their off speed pitches – that really helped us.”
He continued to speak on the injury comeback, and how he is planning to move forward with the play off season coming up.
“We’re a small roster to begin with, but now guys are starting to come back off those injuries,” Wawrzyniak said. “Mostly in our pitching staff is where we see those injuries the most, it is nice to have these guys coming back at the right time of the season where we have these two weeks to get them play-off ready and get their bodies used to playing again.”
The Ramblers will be back for another hopeful takedown at Loyola Academy’s the hill against Carmel Catholic high school May 17 at 4:30 pm. Be there or be square.
