2008 Woodie Awards
Crusader baseball puts on rally caps for late-season run
By: Theron Willis
Issue date: 3/21/07 Section: Sports
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Staff Writer
Crusader baseball remains optimistic about the second half of season despite lackluster performance during spring break.
During spring break the baseball team played three double headers and brought home two victories. The first doubleheader they played was against Brevard College on Saturday, March 3. The first game was a close one that had to go into extra innings for a final score of 12-11 in Brevard's favor. The second was another close one with a final score of 6-5 giving the Crusaders another loss.
The following Tuesday another doubleheader occurred against St. Andrew's University in Laurinburg, N.C. The Crusaders came out as victors in both games with respective scores of 7-1 and 10-5. The first game was pitcher Devin Vance's, junior business administration, third victory and the second game was pitcher Bruce Whitehead's, freshman undecided, second victory. With these victories the Crusaders were able to break out of their six game losing streak.
On Wednesday, they lost both games against Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. The scores were 12-2 and 7-6. Despite their poor showing during spring break and the first half of the season they are optimistic about the second half. Coach Tim Nihart attributes this to the number of inexperienced freshman on the team and their inability to stay consistent.
"We're a young team with five freshmen and it's been a rollercoaster. We've had some ups and downs but we just need to stay consistent. When we complete our objectives we win games," said Nihart.
The players are confident as well that they can turn around the season.
"The first half of the year we were underachievers, but it doesn't matter now because we're starting off the second half of the season on the right foot," said centerfielder Chris Tate, senior mathematics.
The Crusaders did make a good start toward their comeback last Monday, March 12. They won against King College 7-5 in a home game improving their overall season statistic to 9-16. It was almost a complete shutout until the last inning when the Tornadoes managed to rally and score five runs. The leaders of the game were Mike Reis, senior Christian studies, with four hits and four RBIs and Tate who went two for five with an RBI.
Whether the Crusaders will make a full comeback remains to be seen. Their next game is a home game against Brevard College this Friday at 2 p.m.
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