A four-run lead and, with it, a chance to stay in the hunt for a region crown slipped away for Stratford High School’s baseball team Wednesday, April 17, in Moncks Corner. That second defeat to Berkeley meant a series loss. It was the fourth defeat in region play for the Knights, enabling Wando to win the league with a 9-3 record.
The Knights bounced back with a vengeance, salvaging the third game of the Berkeley series at home in a big way, 12-2, before cruising past rival Goose Creek, 20-0, Monday, April 22, at GCHS. If his team was downtrodden about being unable to hoist the league trophy, Stratford coach Tony Osterman hasn’t seen it.
“These players are resilient,” Osterman said. “They’re tough. They’ve been down over the years but expect to win. They know they can win with the talent we have coming together. We’re playing as a team, not a bunch of individuals. They’re not worried about stats. They’re worried about doing whatever they can to win a ballgame. I can see a big difference. We’ve turned the page a little bit. We’ve moved forward.”
The Knights crank up the Class 5A playoffs Tuesday, April 30, as either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed from Region 6. More play dates in district brackets are May 2, May 4 and May 6.
“I believe the players are ready, and we’re getting some key players back, too,” Osterman said. “Most importantly, we’re working really hard and hitting it well. We’re making sure we’re productive at the plate. We’re peaking at the right time. We’ve just got to keep on being consistent. We can’t play good one game, then be down the next game.”
In the 12-2 win over Berkeley in five and a half innings, designated hitter Walter Argrett went 3-for-3 with a double, home run and four RBIs to support winning pitcher Jacob Deacon. Deacon hurled 5.2 innings of three-hit ball, striking out seven batters for the Knights. Shortstop Gavin Garcia added two hits for Stratford.
In the series-opening win over Goose Creek that Stratford closed out in three innings, Garcia was 2-for-3 with four RBIs and leadoff hitter Jachin Davis drove in three runs and scored four times. Argrett continued swinging a hot bat, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Outfielder Kaiden Skinner knocked in two runs.
Knights starter Bryce Herpolsheimer fanned two batters in two innings to record the victory.
The Gators and Knights were to conclude their series April 24 and 26 (after press time).
