The varsity baseball team crushed the Fern Creek Tigers 13-1 in the first round of the Louisville Invitational Tournament (LIT).
Offense led the way for Manual against the Tigers.
“We had great at-bats all night long,” Head Coach Matt Timbario said. “We were able to put together some runs and build some confidence. Our pitcher didn’t have it tonight; he was a little erratic, but our offense backed him up.”
Matthew Marino (12, #7) hit a RBI double in the first inning to start off the night, bringing Riley Noe (10, #1) home for an early lead against the Tigers. With six RBIs in four hits, Marino played a critical role in the Tigers’ defeat.
“Swinging without a step and solely a load helps you get your timing down,” Marino said. “Once you have it down, putting a step back into your swing really helps generate power.”
Marino said he focused on staying relaxed at the plate.
Ben Cooper (12, #43) and Tate McGarvey (12, #23) each contributed two RBIs to the Crimson’s yesterday evening success.
“As a team we really attacked the fastball and went to the plate with a plan instead of just swinging,” Cooper said. “Personally, I tried to do whatever was needed to get runs in or get us started hitting as a team.”
The Crimsons scored six runs in the sixth inning: two passed balls, a RBI single, a RBI double and a two-run double.
Ace Jake Rist (#9, 12) allowed seven walks throughout the night, but Fern Creek was not able to make anything of them. Rist struck out nine Tigers in the game.
In batting practice this week, Manual focused on hitting the ball in particular spots and hitting backside. The offensive work the Crimsons developed showed itself in this game.
“When we play like this, we start realizing we play this way we should be alright,” Timabrio said. “Hopefully, we’re about midseason point, we need to try it now and keep playing this well. I like our chances.”
Manual was scheduled to compete against North Bullitt and Shelby County, who defeated the Crimsons three days ago, but the games have been cancelled due to rain.
