With the Manhattan skyline looming in the background, the Boys Varsity Baseball team opened their 2013 campaign on April 4 against American Studies at Whitey Ford Field. The Hawks’ 7-4 victory was the culmination of a month of practices and scrimmages.
After two quiet innings, American Studies drew first blood as they plated three runs in the bottom of the third, the first of which scored on a check swing hit. In the top of the fourth with runners on first and second, sophomore Dylan Biscardi singled into left to drive in the Hawks’ first run of the game. The runners would advance on a throwing error but ended up stranded at second and third. The Hawks’ scored four more runs in the fifth, giving them a 5-3 lead and a rush of momentum heading into the final stretch of the game. They scored two insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings to bolster their lead.
Junior Harry Quinn would relieve starting senior pitcher T.J. Ritter in the fifth and although he found himself in two bases-loaded jams, he was able to limit the damage to just one run in the sixth. Quinn ended the game by striking out the ninth place hitter with a sizzling low and away fastball.
T.J. Ritter received his first win of the season while Harry Quinn picked up a save.
Quinn felt the team displayed what they are all about, saying, “we’re competitive with each other and our opponents. We fight hard, and even under pressure we stand strong.”
At the beginning of the game, the Hawks’ bats were silent, as the side was struck out in the first and two bats were broken in the second by American Studies’ hard throwing right-hander. The Hawks remained confident and as the fourth inning rolled around, they made adjustments and their bats woke up.
Dylan Biscardi said, “Once the bats got going there was no stopping us.”
The Hawks’ opener also saw the debuts of freshmen Evan Noblesala and Mason Rivero. They played important roles during the game, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Mason said, “I was really excited throughout the game. I felt that we became very confident. The end result makes the future seem very bright.”
Coach Edgar Morales, the former Forest Hills standout, has entered his third year at the helm of the baseball program at Townsend Harris.
After the game, Coach Morales said, “Opening day’s win is one to remember; it involved a rally comeback, solid defensive play, patient hitting and clutch pitching. The feeling of winning never gets old and getting that first W of the season gave us a reason to feel good about ourselves. We have a lot to play for this year and after hours and hours of practicing and conditioning we have no excuses not to go out there and play quality team baseball.”
