Last Wednesday on a cool, sunny spring afternoon, Boys’ Varsity Baseball got off to a strong start defeating Hamden Hall 4-1 in their home-opener. The Boars, led by captains Jake Mackenzie ’17 and Jack Hodgson ’17, looked strong throughout the game and that strength showed in their result on Wednesday.
The home game was a rollercoaster ride for Choate, as they went down 0-1 in the top of the fourth inning before scoring three runs in the fifth and one run in the sixth inning. In regards to shaking off some of the rust, MacKenzie stated, “We had a tough time getting runs, but we were able to score when it mattered and our pitching allowed us to stay in the game.”
The Choate bullpen is certainly shaping up to have a strong season, as displayed through their dominance on the mound. Hodgson, Choate’s ace and a Boston College commit, was exceptional for the Boars. He pitched four no-hit innings, throwing 71 pitches, 42 of which were strikes, and striking out ten batters in the process. Allowing only one unearned run, no hits, and walking two batters, Hodgson held Hamden Hall in check as Choate struggled to find its bats. When asked of his success, Hodgson modestly stated, “Improving over this past winter was a collaborative process reliant on the feedback of both my coaches and teammates, so a lot of my start’s success on Wednesday is owed to them.” The pitching dominance continued through the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings with Tyler Daly ’17 striking out seven batters, walking one, and allowing no hits as well, a combined no-hitter for Hodgson and Daly.
As for the Boars’ success at the plate, they did end up finding their rhythm with five hits and five batters getting on base through walks. Kevin Nusdeo ’17 hit one for three and had one stolen base for the Boars. Fourth formers Grady Bohen ’19 and Will Eichorn ’19 also helped out, both hitting doubles while at bat.
The team is greatly benefitting from the fact that not many other NEPSAC schools went on preseason trips, while Choate was practicing in Georgia over spring break. MacKenzie commented, “It was great going to Atlanta and getting to play before most teams are able to.” The players are by no means strangers to each other now, as the preseason trip helped the team familiarize themselves with each other even more. Commenting on the camaraderie of the team, Jack Maley ’19 stated, “There weren’t many new players this year so everybody already knew each other. Now the connections are even stronger.”
The team is looking to have a very successful season, with positivity radiating from the players after their latest win. Hodgson commented, “I’m most looking forward to the upbeat, relaxed team dynamic that is going to be a lot of fun to be a part of.” If the Varsity Baseball season is anything like Wednesday, they should enjoy an exciting campaign this spring.
