By Bill Alden
Getting off to an encouraging start this spring, the Princeton High baseball team won two of its first three games.
Playing fundamentally sound baseball, PHS defeated South River 3-2 in its opener on March 28 as Chase Hamerschlag and Matthew Brophy combined on a no-hitter.
After falling 11-7 to Robbinsville, the Tigers bounced back with a 2-1 win over WW/P-North on April 2 as Anders Hedin struck out 10 in earning the victory on the mound.
But following that up with two losses, PHS was looking to get back on the winning track as it hosted crosstown rival Princeton Day School last Thursday.
The game, though, quickly turned into an uphill battle for PHS as it fell behind 5-0 in the top of the first inning.
PHS head coach Dom Capuano lamented his squad’s shaky start against the Panthers.
“We can’t keep making errors, it is three games in a row,” said Capuano. “You make an error, that changes the whole tenor of the game and then pitchers aren’t locating. We are just shooting ourselves in the foot, you have to field the ball.”
While PHS got runners on base in several innings, the Tigers only managed to score one run on the day as it lost 11-1 in six innings.
“There is a lack of focus, there is a lack of confidence and understanding in pretty much all aspects,” said Capuano, reflecting on the setback.
Freshman Noah Prete provided a bright spot on the day for PHS as he pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief with four strikeouts and one walk.
“I thought he did well, he had to settle in after a few batters,” said Capuano of Prete.
On Saturday, senior star and Elon University commit Hamerschlag did very well on the mound, striking out 18 and giving up three hits in a 2-1 loss to Hamilton West as PHS moved to 2-5.
With the Tigers playing at Allentown High on April 16 and then hosting Lawrence High on April 18, Capuano is looking for the Tigers to recapture the brand of baseball they displayed during the first week this season.
“We have to play like we did before that last two or three games,” said Capuano. “We have to throw strikes and we haven’t been throwing many strikes and then we have to field the baseball. The first few games we weren’t hitting great but at least we were pitching and fielding good so you are in the game.”