The season is young but the Wildcats are playing solid ball. During the first week of April they won two of three league games and split two non-league games. 

 

By Melanie Cane

 

The season is young but the Wildcats are playing solid ball. During the first week of April they won two of three league games and split two non-league games.

 

In the home opener, against St. Luke’s on April 3, Tyler Fernandez pitched four scoreless innings for the win. Matthew Crowley came on in relief to pitch the fifth and final inning. With the Wildcats up 15-4, the game was shortened because of the mercy rule. Luke Cappellano went three for four with two doubles and six RBIs, and Tyler Fernandez was three for three at the plate.

 

The second game, against Masters, also was called early because the Wildcats were up 13 to 3. Eighth grader Enzo Stefanoni picked up his first varsity win, going three scoreless innings to complete the game. Fernandez continued his hot hitting, collecting another two hits, and Peter Shu came on strong at the plate, going three for four.

 

At Brunswick, the Wildcats lost their first game, 5-3. Andrew Waite started on the mound and kept the score close through four innings. Stefanoni completed the game, throwing three scoreless innings. Five players collected one hit apiece, but the team struggled to score.

 

In the two non-league games, the Wildcats defeated Hopkins (away) 4-2 on April 9 and lost to Rye Neck 10-1 at home the following day.

 

Last year, Rye Country Day won 14 games and finished one game behind the league champions for second place in the Fairchester Athletic Association. They lost in the State semifinal match. This year, they’re aiming to win the league and the NYSAIS tournament.

 

Coach Ted Lawrence has a lot of confidence in his team. “The pitching, defense, and hitting are all very solid, but pitching is our major strength.”

 

Leading the team with the motto, “outwork and outplay every team,” are senior captains Waite, Crowley, and Stephen Knight. Crowley (RF), Stephen Knight (LF), and Fernandez (CF) round out the outfield. At first base, Shu is a very quick lefty (who batted .342 last year), and Quinn Kurzner, Cappellano, Andrew Starker, and Matt Webster can play any infield position.

 

Liam Dalton is the starting catcher, and Stefanoni the backup. Left-hander Fernandez, knuckler Stefanoni, and fast baller Waite can outduel any batter. Unfortunately, Waite, who won six games last year, is recovering from a basketball injury and is easing back into pitching several innings at a time.

 

This week, Rye Country Day was set to play King at home and Fieldston in an away game.