WIZARDS HOPE TO SWING THEIR WAY INTO SECTIONS

By JEREMY GUTIERREZ

With the end of the season approaching, the Washingtonville varsity baseball team is fighting for a spot to advance to sectional play.  Under the coaching of Bob Bauer, the Wizards currently have a record of 8-9 and have a tough schedule ahead of them playing their last three games against Warwick, Kingston, and Goshen.

On Monday, the Wizards faced the talented 12-5 Middletown Middies, but, unfortunately, lost in a cringeworthy game.  Middletown gained the early lead after driving in one run, then with the bases loaded, the number four hitter turned on an inside pitch for a grand slam.  With 5-0 reflecting off the scoreboard, Washingtonville fought back and tallied two runs in the next inning.  The Middletown Middies were able to shut out Washingtonville for the remainder of the game, resulting in a final score of 5-2.  

The Wizards now have three crucial  games remaining in the season.  Winning two out of the next three games will place them in sectionals, but there is also another solution to prolonging their season. 

The Wizards are scheduled to play their last division game of the season against the Warwick Wildcats.  Washingtonville already recorded four division wins: two against Valley Central, and two against Minisink.  With one more divisional victory, the Wizards will advance into postseason play for the first time since 2015.  Due to the rain, Washingtonville is being forced to play the last three games of the season on Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday, May 17th, the Wizards will host a double header against Warwick and Kingston, and on Friday, May 18th, the Wizards will face Goshen.  Jeremy Gutierrez is scheduled to pitch for the Wizards for their biggest game of the season against Warwick, and Jack Wilde will pitch against Kingston. 

With a record of 2-0 against Washingtonville this season, the Wildcats are looking to complete the sweep in a three game series.  Warwick is currently out scoring Washingtonville 24-9 on the season.  The last time the Wizards faced Warwick, Jeremy Gutierrez held them scoreless throughout five innings, but then Warwick came back to win 5-4.  The Wizards are looking to get revenge, and advance into the postseason.

Kingston and Goshen both pose big treats to Washingtonville as well.  Senior Jack Wilde stated, “I have mixed feelings about pitching, possibly, my final game as a Wizard.  I am leaving behind a great team, but also excited to go onto my next chapter in baseball.  I enjoyed every moment I was on the mound at Washingtonville.”  Jack Wilde will attend St. Thomas Aquinas College next year where he will become a part of the pitching staff.

Sectional play will begin next week, and the seeds will be picked by Friday.  Good luck to every team participating, or trying to advance to sections.