Heading into their game on May 13th, the South Hadley Tigers baseball team was frustrated. Having won only six of their fourteen games so far during the season, team morale was down, and it seemed as though the team was simply “going through the motions.” There was an unspoken mentality that Wahconah, the higher seeded team, would win.
But after infield practice, something changed. The top of the first saw quality offense from South Hadley’s big bats. Although it didn’t reflect on the scoresheet, that top of the first was the catalyst for a truly unprecedented run.
The dugout was active, loud, and alive. Batters took the energy and ran with it. The game saw impeccable hitting, with juniors Noah Carillon and Logan Carpenter hitting their first career home runs. On the defensive side of things, the infielders and outfielders were consistently making great plays, turning around a season riddled with errors. On the bump, Justin Moskal pitched a gem, his fourth complete game of the year, collecting ten punchouts and just one earned run in the process.
Since that game, the mentality has been different. A team that headed into that week with a 5-8 record, went on to sweep the week and every game since.
“I think just the confidence level changed, like ‘we can do this,’” said Noah Carillon, whose hot bat has been vital for the Tigers up until now. “I think it’s easier to play when you’re not worried about making plays, and just letting it flow.”
And that’s pretty apparent when you watch this team play nowadays. Back in April, should you be at the Landers Diamond, you’re likely to see the team moping around, unready and unenthused. Now, however, the team is excited to play, knowing that they can compete with any team they play. The bench is awake, with constant voices like Caiden Drohan and Josh Willette.
The Tigers close out their regular season tonight, as they take on the Southwick Rams at Whalley Park. First pitch is set for 6pm, though inclement weather could toss things up.
