In a season full of comebacks, the Lions could not deliver one when they needed it most, as Boys Varsity Baseball fell to Sandy Spring by a score of 4-0 in the PVAC championship game earlier today. However, the game was closer than the final score indicates, as JDS had runners on base throughout the evening but could not find the big hit they needed. The Lions managed to load the bases in the seventh and final inning, but sophomore Joel Vardon flied out to center field to end the game.
The third seeded Lions were looking to build on the momentum they established in the semifinals, when they upset the second ranked Field Falcons 15-10. It looked like the Blue and Gold were on their way to another high-scoring output, as they got two runners on base in the first inning, but Bennett Bramson (’17) was hit by a pitch, which forced him to leave the game. Without such a key piece of their offensive attack, JDS was unable to get on the board in the inning. Sandy Spring scored in the bottom of the frame via two stolen bases to take an early 1-0 lead.
Despite an inability to come up with a decisive hit, JDS stayed close on the strength of solid pitching performances from junior Gabi Swagel and freshmen Matthew Landy and Zachary Gordon as well as a strong defensive team effort. Sandy Spring tacked on three insurance runs in the fifth to take a 4-0 lead, which the Lions only had six outs left to erase. However, the team did not go down quietly, as they again put runners on base in the sixth before seriously threatening in the seventh.
The Lions loaded the bases in the seventh inning by means of Gabe Cohen (’17) and Aaron Schonfeld (’17) singles followed by a walk from junior Brett Halpern. Cohen and Schonfeld demonstrated the hustle which had allowed the Lions to stay within striking distance, as both sprinted down the first base line to beat out throws from across the infield. Halpern displayed exceptional patience at the plate, as he was able to work a walk despite the team being down to their last strike. This brought the tying run to the plate in the form of Vardon, but the Lions once again could not muster a game-changing hit, as they ended the night scoreless. In spite of the tough loss, the Lions walked off the field to a standing ovation from the crowded JDS section of the stands as the fans showed their appreciation for the hard work the team put in from the beginning of the season until the very end.
