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2022-23 Second Baptist School Baseball
RESILIENCY: SBS Baseball returns to State Tourney despite slow start
The defending state champions did not begin the spring with the standards that their fan base has grown accustomed to in recent years.
Due to some of their key returning players--namely juniors JD Crisp (OF) and Turner Murdock (P/UTL)--suffering various injuries to start the year, the Eagles were 3-12 prior to district play.
Second Baptist's JD Crisp (2022)Lily Cox (VYPE)
However, the leaders on the SBS roster weren’t going down without a fight.
“It was a real experience,” said Head Coach Rayner Noble. “We played extremely good competition early on, and the losses were piling up. However, I believe this created a certain mental toughness and unity. Knowing that we had to develop depth and confidence at the same time has been our focus this season.”
The Eagles would proceed to resurge as a unit, climbing up the division rankings with rapid progression to conclude the regular season in the No. 3 spot in their district (9-5 record).
Seconf Baptist's Ty BakerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Subsequently, Second Baptist would trounce San Antonio Christin 7-0 in the Area Round before defeating their district rival Lutheran South Academy by a score of 8-2 in the D-II regional round.
Texas A&M signee Ty Baker racked up three RBIs, which included a two-run shot over the fence. Dallas Baptist University signee Luke Pettitte dominated on the mound. The Eagles return to the state final four.
Second Baptist's Luke Pettitte Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
And to think, some thought their season was over at the midway point.
“Our guys have been resilient all year long,” Noble said. “We have gotten outstanding pitching and hitting as of late. We’re looking forward to going to Arlington for the next step.”
Some of the stars of SBS BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2023 has been a statement year for the Second Baptist program. But, as Coach Noble implied, the job isn’t done yet. Stay tuned for the finale, as the Eagles aim to repeat.
Some of the stars of Concordia Lutheran Baseball
JUST GETTING STARTED: No. 1 Concordia prepares to go the distance; Photo Gallery
This doesn’t come as a major surprise, considering the dominance ‘Sader Nation has showcased all year, but capping off the regular season with an astounding 31-2 record (11-1 district) is a fitting way to enter the postseason.
2022-23 Concordia Lutheran BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
What more can be said about the CLHS pitching?
Their ace, junior RHP Eoghan Collins, is throwing lights out with a ridiculous 0.54 ERA, while the rest of Concordia’s pitchers, which features the likes of Connor Jones (Jr.), Jeremiah McCranie (So.), John D. Mitchell II (Jr.), and senior Jake Skelly, turn up the heat to round out what could be the best bullpen in Texas.
Concordia's Eoghan CollinsBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
If that’s not impressive enough, the Crusaders batting is just as efficient.
Anyone on the lineup can go off on any given night, whether it be senior Alex Petrovic (.487 leading BA), Zac Daigre (Sr.), junior Cole Lanclos (hit-leader with 41), Nolan Traeger (Jr.), Michael Herndon (Sr.), or freshman Ronin McCraw, just to name a few.
Concordia's Cole Lanclos (Left) & Ronin McCraw (Right)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The TAPPS Area Round (Divisions I-III) begins this upcoming Tuesday, and with the State Championship taking place in just a few weeks, expect Concordia Lutheran to make a run for the Title as they prepare to wreak havoc on the grand stage.
Alex Petrovic
