by Andrew Smisek SAsports.com Columnist Saint Mary's Hall Week of April 1, 2008
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Hey everyone, it’s Andrew Smisek from “The Hall”

With the 2008 season on the way, SMH Baseball looks to have a successful, winning season.  They opened their season on 2/22 with a game against OLH in Fredericksburg. Michael Broker got the start, but as the Barons went ahead early, we made some errors that cost them their lead.  Though they lost 4-7, the Barons we determined to make up for their failures in their next game.  Andrew Celio and Andrew Smisek each went 2-2.

We then traveled to Johnson City on 2/25, determined to start strong and finish strong.  Jake Lewis started the game for them, hoping to lead them to a victory.  Though a slow start, the Barons really kicked it into full gear, scoring more than 10 runs in the last half of the game.  Everyone was hitting the ball well, which made up for their errors in the field.  Luckily, SMH’s bats were overpowering Johnson City’s getting the Barons the win, 17-8.

On 3/11, the Barons faced Cole High School, in their first home game of the season.  Broker got the start, and after a slow start and battling an early 8 run defecate, SMH was looking to finish their first home game with an exciting finish.  And exciting it was.  With the game 11-2, SMH battled back, knocking the starting pitcher off the mound and piling nine runs in that lone inning.  However, SMH made some key errors that drastically changed the outcome of the game.  They ended up losing 14-11.

SMH then faced St. Gerard’s on 3/13, playing in arguably the best game of the season.  Andrew Celio got the nod.  Each team scored a couple early runs, and then SMH exploded with a 4 run inning in the fifth.  This game went into extra innings as Sam Lewis closed the game out, pitching outstanding baseball.  SMH lost a heartbreaker, 7-8, in the bottom of the 8th when a hit ball scored the runner at third with two outs.

Determined not to lose three straight, the Barons played another home game against Lutheran High School.  Michael Broker pitched a great game, giving up one earned run.  However, Lutheran scored two runs in the first inning, all unearned.  SMH responded with a 3 run inning in the second, and eventually was cruising with a 10-2 lead in the fifth.  Somehow, Lutheran found ways to get on base and advance runners, and the defense looked shocked, being a reason for a season high game for errors.  With a 11-11 ball game in the sixth inning, both pitchers kept the score tied going into the seventh inning.  In the bottom of the 7th inning, Travis Schott led off with an infield hit, and then stole second.  Michael Broker came up to the plate, determined to carry his team to victory.  And he certainly did.  He hit a double up the middle to score T. Schott, giving the Baron’s a dramatic walk-off win.  Broker went 4-4 in that game, including the walk-off double!

The very next day, the Barons strapped up and played at FEAST.  Looking to get revenge from last season’s defeat, the Barons went ahead fast in the first inning, 6-1.  Once again, the bats of the entire team were working, as each player that entered the game, scored a run.  TJ Harkrider pitched the entire game for SMH, giving up 4 runs in the 22-4 blowout.  James Arana came in as a pinch-hitter, going 1-1 with an RBI double, a stolen base, and scoring a run. 

On 3/29, the Barons traveled to Blanco to play a mid-day game.  Michael Broker started the game, and Jake relieved him in the 4th inning.  Smisek started the second inning with a single down the line, then some more hits got the run in, with James Arana's pinch hit single and run.  SMH was able to manufacture 9 runs on the game, but once again, the dagger was on defense.

On to Softball, they played against St. Gerard’s on 3/7/08, winning 21-11!  They then beat TMI 13-3 on 3/13/08.  SMH wining pitcher, Allie McRae, had 10 Strikeouts and was 3-4 at the plate! Catcher, Abby Nickle, was 4-4 with 3 RBI’s.  They play SPC Conference games later on this week!

Check back later to see what’s happening at “The Hall”

2008 Saint Mary's Hall Barons Softball Schedule

2008 Saint Mary's Hall Barons Baseball Schedule