A division title is within reach of Exeter
Despite a tough loss to Governor Mifflin on April 21, it’s been a very good season for the Exeter Township High School baseball team. Now that the offense is getting some hits at the right time, all phases of the game seem to be clicking for the Eagles.
Right now (as of April 26), the Eagles stand alone in first place with a Berks League record of 6-2. Governor Mifflin is right on their heels at 6-2, but the Eagles are ahead by one game in the that all-important loss column. If Exeter wins the rest of their league games, they will win the division no matter what Governor Mifflin does the rest of the way.
Exeter and Governor Mifflin split their two games this season, but it’s Wilson that the Eagles have to thank for their hold on first place. The Bulldogs upset the Mustangs earlier in the season, giving Exeter the opening they needed to take over first place.
Exeter had a chance to clinch the division early had they defeated Mifflin in Shillington on April 21. But the Mustangs were able to pull out a 6-5 victory, thus keeping their hopes for a division title alive. Exeter has three games reamaining – at home against Daniel Boone, and on the road at Wilson and Muhlenberg. Any one of those games could easily trip up the Eagles if they’re not ready.
All-in-all, head coach Justin Freeze is very happy with his team’s performance this spring.
“Offensively, the bats are starting to come alive.,’ said Freeze. “Early on in the season we left a lot of runners on base. Recently, we ‘ ve been getting some key hits to drive those runners in.’
The stats confirm was Freeze said. The Eagles split their first four games of the season, scoring a total of 12 runs. In the last three games, the Eagles have scored 26 runs, winning two of the three games.
Still, it’s pitching that wins baseball games. Dylan Richards and Drake Koch have been during the bulk of the pitching in Exeter’s league games. They’ve been keeping their team in every game which is all you want from a pitching staff.
“Our pitching staff has done a great job,’ said Freeze. “We have played solid defense behind them and kept teams off the board. Both pitchers keep hitters off balance and do a great job getting ahead in the count and keeping the game moving.’
The Eagles play in the always tough Division 1 of the Berks League, but they have found themselves at, or near, the top of the stadings in recent years. With a strong senior class, Freeze expected this year to be no different.
Julian Torres is one of those seniors whose had a very good season.
“He has been a pleasant surprise at the plate,’ said Freeze. “He has a great swing and consistently puts the ball in play for us.’
Jon Lauch has been steady behind the plate for the Eagles, and has provided some pop for the Exeter offense.
Freeze also likes the way Chris Smith and Jake Fry are beginning to hit the ball. They are providing a lot of extra base hits for the team at the right times.
As the season comes down to the home stretch, a division title is well within the grasp of the Eagles. Things are coming together well for the team, but Freeze did say that his players have got to start working the count better at the plate.
“Our hitters have fallen behind in counts by swinging at pitches out of the strike zone,’ said Freeze. ” Also, we need to be more productive with runners in scoring position. The teams in Berks 1 are very competitive and we need to play at a high level every game.’
