Outburst by offense lifts Seahawks past Hornets 12-2
Sussex Academy catcher Mason Glover opened up the scoring in the Seahawks' 12-2 win over Tatnall April 23 by executing what some consider to be the most exciting play in sports – a delayed home-plate steal.
Glover led the mini-grand prix on the base paths with three swipes and was joined on the track by Matthew Brittingham (three), Victor Goodhue (two), Whitman Stout (two), Laine Roberts (two), and Maddox Roberts (two). Senior Emerson Layton added another stolen base to give the Seahawks 15 on the day.
“Coach Nowell gave us a lot of green lights, and that comes with confidence,” Layton said.
That confidence increased during Sussex Academy’s scoring party.
“It's always good to win, and this program needs more W's – especially with the heartbreaking three one-run losses that we've had, so just getting that W does feel good,” Doug Nowell said.
The offensive outburst allowed some key players at the top of the lineup to get back on track.
“Confidence is down when you don't really hit, so when you get that first hit, it feels great,” Goodhue said. “Then you come up there with a little more confidence, and it's just that the game’s a little slower and a little bit easier.”
Slowing things down at the plate, particularly after the second inning, was the key to the 11-hit, 12-run performance.
“We were getting jumpy at the plate, so we started making some nice adjustments and focused on the middle of the plate,” Nowell said.
Layton led the way with three hits, and Glover, Goodhue and Brittingham each had a pair of knocks. For Brittingham, it was about tapping into what led to his seven-hit performance, a state record, against Polytech April 5.
“I just needed to stay back, just be able to drive the ball up the middle with line drives, similar to that Poly game,” Brittingham said.
Holding the Hornets to just two runs were Layton, who started the game, and Maddox Roberts.
“It really came down to our pitching staff today, and although we didn't throw that many strikes, when it was crucial, we did,” Goodhue said.
The strong finish showcased the level Sussex Academy is capable of playing at but also reinforced the need for the young Seahawks to remain consistent.
“It's a maturity thing; it's getting to know how to win and winning consistently, where you can start respecting your opponent a little bit better,” Nowell said.
Sussex Academy travelled to Dover April 24 to take on a talented Senators team after the Cape Gazette deadline. The Seahawks will welcome Delmarva Christian to Sports at the Beach at 4 p.m., Monday, April 28.
