While most students looked forward to spring break to go on vacation, catch up with friends, hang out with family, or take a rest from school, the baseball team traveled to Fort Pierce, Fla. to play against six different competitors. The team started their drive on Saturday, March 10 and played their first game on Sunday, March 11.
They played 10 games before heading back to Washington College on Saturday, March 17. The Shoremen came home from Florida with nine wins under their belt and only one loss, something not many teams can say.
WC had some huge contributors throughout the week. Seniors Matt Tancredi, Joe Lozupone, Ryan Donnelly, Evan Hirschbaum, Gavin O’Donnell, P.J. Mikulus made important contributions. Freshmen CJ Gillmer and Ethan Osgood, sophomores Ryan Zwier and Chris Kramedas, and juniors Luke D’Ostilio and Aaron Barclay also aided in the wins.
Junior Nick Roberti threw a no-hitter against Bethany College, the first no-hitter thrown by a Shoreman pitcher in six years. Going 9-1 in Florida was crucial to the team’s development and preparation for conference play starting later in March.
The team was granted off days, where team bonding was a focal point.
“On our off day, most of the team went to the beach. We love it there,” Hirschbaum said. “After the games, we just hung out at the hotel, all talking, and relaxing after 14 innings of baseball.”
Hirschbaum said he thought the team chemistry was great going into Florida, but was even better leaving.
“Our biggest success for sure was our team chemistry, we’ve had some incredible team chemistry to start this season off, that has been one of the most notable things that I’ve seen. We’ve just really been meshed together really well. This is why it’s been so much easier to play the game relaxed because of the trust we have in each other,” Hirschbaum said. “Taking that into the season, that is going to be the difference between our record last season and the [Centennial] conference ring in hand.”
The baseball team will play their next game on Thursday, March 22 at home versus Salisbury. The game will begin at 3 p.m.