Varsity Baseball Off to Hot Start

The Panthers (2-0) continued their strong start to the season Monday afternoon against York Prep, securing a gritty 13-10 victory at Clarke Field to remain undefeated. Masters edged Birch Wathen Lenox, 8-6, in its opener. 

"Communication and cooperation have probably been the key to our team's fast 2-0 performance this season," Daniel Hwang ’26 said. "We have been thoroughly working on those two throughout almost all of our practices, along with the help of our great coaching staff."

Against York Prep, the Panthers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead after the first inning, however, the visitors responded with six runs in the second inning to grab a one-run lead. Masters battled back in the later innings, scoring two runs in the fourth and six in the fifth to blow it wide open. 

"Despite giving up six runs in the top of the second inning, we never gave up on trying to secure the win," Hwang said. "Eventually, we found ourselves winning the game."

Hwang ’26 powered the offense with two doubles and six RBIs. Henry Hubner ’24 went 2-for-3 with a walk, a single, a double, two runs scored and two RBIs. Sophomore Zach Gotthelf went 1-for-2 with a double and two walks and scored three runs. 

"Daniel is a bright spot for our team," coach Neil Jaggernauth said. "As a freshman last year, he batted in the middle of the lineup. Both this year and last year he has shown a great eye and discipline at the plate. He sees the ball well out of the pitcher’s hand and makes hard, loud contact with a great line drive approach to his swing. Additionally, I know he has put in a lot of time and innings working on his game with his outside team over the years and that game experience is invaluable."

Pitcher Leo Horton ’24 came out of the bullpen to record the victory, striking out seven over four innings while relinquishing just three hits and zero earned runs. 

"(Horton) was throwing strikes and pitching to contact," Jaggernauth said. "I mean, he obviously got the strikeouts as well, since he struck out seven in four innings, but that speaks more to him having good swing-and-miss stuff. More importantly, against a team like (York Prep), you cannot be afraid to throw the ball over the heart of the plate and dare them to hit it. He stayed in the zone and trusted his stuff, as well as the defense behind him to make the necessary plays."

The Panthers will look to keep their undefeated record intact as they travel to face Greenwich Country Day today.