Down three to nothing to top ranked Brother Rice in the bottom of the sixth, LT varsity baseball team’s outlook seemed bleak. But just as defeat seemed imminent, the offense exploded into a four-run rally which culminated with two outs, the bases loaded and Michael Courtney ‘17 up to bat. The Lions went on to beat the Warriors 4-3 March 30, even after previously believing the game was going to be rained out that day.

“It was very satisfying knowing we can play with some of the top teams in the state,” Pitcher Matt Phillipp ‘17 said. “It should be a good preview as to what we are able to do for the rest of the season. We cannot, however, be completely satisfied with the win and let it get to our head, the season is only beginning.”

With many returning players, including five starters, the team is hoping to improve on its 21-10 2016 season, Varsity Head Coach Kevin Diete said. For the regular season they have set to goal to win conference and are hopeful for a deep and competitive playoff run.

“In the off-season we talk to the players about their individual goals for the upcoming season,” Diete said. “Then we discuss their expectations and roles they plan on fulfilling throughout the regular season. Finally, we talk to the Senior leaders and collaborate to determine what our overall team goals and expectations should be for the year.”

While experienced, the team knows it cannot rely on its talent alone for success. Through practices that focus on the execution of various plays, their already strong defense is improving daily.

“By focusing on the fundamentals, we should be able to be successful,” catcher Bryce Moskiewicz ‘18 said. “We all already know we can play and get along together really well so we just need to get back to our roots and get the small things down. We cover first and third play and bunt coverage at least twice a week to solidify them.”

Some of the noteworthy returning varsity players include two college commits and three 2016 All Conference players, Diete said.

“Having so many [experienced and returning varsity players] means that we as a team have a very strong chemistry,” Phillipp said. “Every day with the guys [is what I’m most looking forward to]. We all just have a ball together and get along together really well so we can laugh and not take anything too seriously, but we also know when we need to get to work.”

With inconsistent weather throughout March, the team had games cancelled due to rain, snow and cold weather. Subsequently, many practices were cancelled or moved inside to the much smaller gyms, Moskiewicz said.

“It’s definitely more hard playing in cold and windy weather as well as rainy weather,” Phillipp said. “Hopefully it’ll start clearing up [as spring progresses] and warming up so we can get out there more. Staying inside for practice makes it harder to keep focus and get stuff done but we still are working hard.”

LT has its next home game today, April 13, at 4:30 vs. Proviso West at the SC baseball fields.