Season Number 2 starts this Monday (4/30) against rival Walsh Jesuit High School. The NDCL JV Lions showed a few flashes of brilliance in Season Number 1. However, brilliance at times, was muddled by sub-par play and a few losses suffered via the OHSAA mercy rule.
As a whole, the Lions have been relying on timely hitting and aggressive base running to win ball games, averaging 8.5 Runs and 2.3 Stolen Bases per game. The pitching staff has seen its struggles on the bump throughout the season but have come on strong as of late with four quality starts (4 or more Innings Pitched and 3 Runs or less given up) in the last five games.
If the JV Pride can continue to build on the recent success on the mound and swing the bats as they have thus far, then the chances of an NCL Title are definitely within reach. However, nothing in this sport is given to you. If you want something, you have to go out and take it!
Catch your dream, don't chase it!
Here is a sneak peek at where the JV Lions are statistically through 10 games:
Hitting
BA: .346
Runs: 85
Hits: 87
SB: 23/24
BB:42
Ks: 48
OBP: .450
Pitching
ERA: 5.40 (Based on 7 inning scale)
Ks: 73
BB: 44
WHIP: 1.80
AVG: .252
With five games in six days coming up for the Pride, Season 2 will undoubtedly fly by just as fast as Season 1 did. This upcoming week could prove to be pivotal as the Lions fight tooth and nail, or should I say tooth and claw, to capture a regular season North Coast League Championship.
NDCL will take on Walsh Jesuit Monday (4/30) and Tuesday (5/1), followed by Cardinal Mooney (5/2) and end the week with Shaw High School (5/4) and St. Ignatius (5/5). For continual updates, game results and recaps, follow my Twitter Feed and keep an eye on NDCL's Baseball Website.