March 1 passed a couple weeks ago and everyone know what that means: the start of spring sports. Among those is JV baseball, with a highly anticipated season ahead of them.

“I really am excited for the season this year as we have a solid core of sophomores to help lead us this year, I really believe we can get 10 plus wins this season,”  JV baseball coach Robert Acevedo said.

After losing star players from last season, sophomore outfielder Graham Blondes and sophomore shortstop Conor Walsh, they still have seven sophomores returning including Will Karis and Andrew Misovec.

The day before tryouts started, the Patriots received a crushing blow as star freshman Nathan Bowman dislocated his shoulder playing basketball. “It was really tough as he was gonna be my ace this year and going to be the day one starter on the mound, and get called up to varsity at the end of the year, but it is OK. We have a next-man-up mentality, and I still think we will be fantastic,” Acevedo said.

Freshmen will play a big part in the Patriots’ success, including the freshman center fielder Miller Romm. “He’s a great player and I can not wait for him to help us win a bunch of games this year,” Karis said.

The boys got off to a great start by defeating Bullis in a scrimmage on March 6 26-0 and also defeat Landon 4-1 on March 8. “We started off the scrimmage in a great way with lots of energy and team chemistry. I am really excited for the season,” sophomore third baseman Darren Chang said.

The Patriots went 6-5-1 last year and look to increase their winning percentage this year. “Last year we had a great deal of talent, but some players have moved up to varsity, but even with Bowman down we still have great incoming freshman like [Romm] and Hank Breen so I definitely think we can beat our record from last year,” sophomore Freddie Rodgers said.

The boys take on familiar foes in their season such as Northwest, Whitman, Quince Orchard and they look to avenge a tie to rival Churchill this season. “One of the most disappointing games last year was having to tie Churchill. I really wanted to beat Churchill, so I hope to avenge that tie this year,” sophomore Jacob Glazier said.

They also have their beloved manager, sophomore Benny Kotler, returning this season to help manage and support the boys in their games.

The JV boys look to open their regular season with a win when they take on the Damascus Cougars away on March 21.

Dev Zoks

Staff Writer