The crack of sluggers in the afternoon air, the flying turf beads, the breeze flowing across the outfield, the afternoon clouds hanging overhead. This was the atmosphere of Jesuit Varsity Baseball’s first game against Lake Dallas on that last cold day of February.
On Friday, February 23rd, Jesuit played their first inning in a stunning fashion, batting in 3 runs after a successful defensive showing. They finished their first game with strength, and they refused to allow Lake Dallas to sneak away with a comeback. The final score on the first day ended in 5-4 favoring our Rangers.
The next day, the Rangers faced a physically taxing doubleheader against Lake Dallas, one game in the afternoon and another in the evening. Despite the grueling physical demand, Varsity refused to relent. Their first game ended with a one-run margin, 13-12 favoring Jesuit. The second game proved to be a shutout victory for the Rangers, 8-nil’. As the season progressed we observed similar success.
Looking at just the Jesuit Dallas Baseball Classic, Jesuit won every game but our March 1st matchup against Plano West.
Varsity Head Coach Brian Jones commented, “Plano West had a tough left handed pitcher on the mound that night. We didn’t put a lot of good swings on the ball. He did a good job of taking us off balance.”
Another formidable challenge that this Classic Tournament presented was in the match against our age-old rivals, Bishop Lynch. We were thankfully successful in thwarting those Friars.
“I would have to say that everyone’s highlight so far was beating Bishop Lynch on Saturday in the tournament,” said Coach Jones. “That game is always a rivalry and brings out a lot of fans. Plus, Senior pitcher Tyler Murrah ’18 threw a no hitter against them.”
Murrah brings a deceptive southpaw delivery from the mound that kept hitters off-balance throughout the Jesuit Dallas Classic tournament. In the summer, he plays for a McKinney select team, the Frozen Ropes. This Ranger pitcher is one to watch!
Coach also mentioned the stellar performances of other players like Jaden Woodson ’19, Garrett Reuben ’19, Maccoy Lopez ’18, and Jack Lynch ’19.
In particular during the Bishop Lynch game, Sophomore Jalon Mack ’20 executed play after play with speed and precision in centerfield. Mack stole bases, and exhibited a confidence and finesse that makes the future of the baseball season seem that much brighter.
Camaraderie was found on the field in addition to victories, as Jesuit Varsity had the opportunity of playing against a fellow Jesuit school, Xavier College Prep from California.
“The team from Xavier was a good group of guys. A former coach at Jesuit is the AD at the school, Mark Campbell. It was a pleasure getting to meet the team and have them on campus for a couple of days.
Our Varsity guys never fail to impress. With consistent performances like the ones they show, the team has a fantastic chance at making it to state. Provided that they maintain this level of confidence and execution, we can certainly look forward to an exciting season.
