Getting the start on the mound for the first game of the season was junior right handed pitcher Zach Lydon. Lydon playing in his 3rd year on the varsity team was primed for the opening day start. After an incredible off-season working on his mechanics and strength, Zach came out firing against the Warriors of Deer Valley High School. Throwing 5 shutout innings gave the Gaels a great chance to win! The Gaels would score 3 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning which proved to be the difference on the scoreboard. The 2nd inning started off with 3 consecutive walks to Seely, Gaela, and Morales. Elijah Lee would get the first big hit of the season driving a fastball through the hole between 3rd base and shortstop. This brought Seely to the plate with a 1-0 Dublin lead. Brent Boyd then worked a bases loaded walk bringing Alex Gaela to the plate and extending Dublin’s lead to 2-0. Deer Valley got its first out of the inning on Gabe Chamberlain’s infield fly to 2nd base which brought Nick Costello to the plate. Costello was able to beat out a possible inning ending double play on a hard ground ball to 2nd base which allowed Eric Morales to cross the plate, giving the Gaels their 3rd and final run of the game. Junior left handed pitcher Nolan Long earned the save in his first varsity action while giving up 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts.
The physical, mental, and emotional level of toughness was on full display. Despite only getting 1 hit and making 3 errors on defense, the Gaels’ ability to compete in tough situations guided them to their first win of the season. This would become a theme for the 2020 team going forward.
Player Of The Game – Zach Lydon (5 innings, 1 hit, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts)
Dublin Wins 3-0. Record 1-0
