Cameron Trio
On March 20, the Aragon Dons varsity baseball team defeated the Lincoln Mustangs (7-8), extending their winning streak to three games in a thrilling comeback victory, 4-3.
Early in the game, the Dons struggled to put runs on the board. Heading into the sixth inning, things looked bleak with Aragon down 0-3 and struggling to find the strike zone. However, Aragon was able to overcome these persistent challenges.
“This team fights until the last out no matter what,” said junior and catcher Saxon Lucia. “Up and down the roster everyone contributes and puts in the work.”
The sixth inning proved to be the turning point the Dons needed. With runners on first and second, senior and shortstop Keith Matye hit an RBI single to right field, which put Aragon on the board at 1-3.
Following Matye, junior and center fielder Nick Mazzola stepped up and delivered a two-RBI single to right field, tying the game at 3-3.
“Nick has been our best player so far this year, but he’s out tonight with a bit of an injury.” said head coach John Rally. “We knew that we’d pinch hit him if the right opportunity arose in the game, and he stepped in and had the biggest hit of the night.”
The Dons’ defense also came through, especially during the top of the seventh inning, delivering a double play and ensuring the Mustangs did not take the lead. Rally credited senior and third baseman Brandon Potter, who was filling in at second base, for this play.
“Potter we’re asking to play second base, who’s usually at third base for us,” Rally said. “And he made the play of his high school career.”
Matye then sealed the win with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the seventh, giving Aragon the 4-3 victory. Matye, who went 1 for 3 at-bats with one RBI, reflected on what the team still has to build on as the season progresses.
“I think our hitting could be better,” Matye said. “We’re just starting to find our groove, but we need to hit a lot better than we did.”
On the mound, junior and starting pitcher Alex Gosselin pitched for four out of the seven innings.
“Alex was able to give us four innings of solid work and gave us a shot,” Matye said.
Lucia echoed the same praise.
“Alex pitched really well, as per usual,” Lucia said. “We can always count on him to grind out some innings whether he has his stuff that day or not.”
In addition to the game, the team spirit influences the players.
“We have such a good group of guys who are also really fun to be around,” Matye said. “I’ve seen a lot of improvement in everyone, and I think that’s really from their work ethic and their commitment.”
Confidence is an important factor in the team’s performance.
“The performance today comes from making sure the guys that did things well tonight have that reinforced back to them and build their confidence that way,” Rally said. “It’s really important that when we get out and practice tomorrow, that we continue to praise them for the things they did well today.”
The victory pushed Aragon’s record to 5-3, while dropping Lincoln’s to 2-6. With league play rapidly approaching, Rally is optimistic about his team’s momentum.
“This is exactly the type of game you’re looking for before you hit league,” Rally said. “We had a tough year last year, and having an over .500 preseason gives the guys a lot of momentum and confidence going in.”
Now with a record of 9-4, the Dons will play their next game on April 16 against Terra Nova at home.
