St. Paul baseball closed out the regular season Wednesday with a 5-0 win over Derby on Senior Day.
Andrew Owsianko tossed a one-hitter for the Falcons, who finished the regular season with a 15-5 record.
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| Andrew Owsianko was solid for St. Paul in its season finale against Derby on Wednesday. Pitching has been a key all season for the Falcons. |
“We had a good year, 15-5, nothing really to complain about,” St. Paul first-year head coach Vic Rinaldi said Thursday at practice.
The Falcons earned the No. 3 seed in the NVL Tournament, and they earned a rematch with the No. 6 Wolcott Eagles on Saturday at 1 p.m. in a quarterfinal game at St. Paul Catholic High School. Wolcott beat St. Paul to win the NVL title last year.
“We like where we’re at, we think we’re in a good position to compete,” Rinaldi said.
Rinaldi is happy to get the Eagles at home.
“It gives us somewhat of an advantage, I’d like to think,” Rinaldi said.
What has helped St. Paul put together a successful season. One word: pitching.
“Our pitching has kept us in nearly every game,” Rinaldi said.
Be it Owsianko, Connor Crean, Wes Lahey or others, the Falcons have been solid on the hill. Rinaldi gives credit to pitching coach Jarrett Stawarz, who was with St. Paul when Pat Holden was head coach. Holden moved on to Central Connecticut State University.
“[Jarrett] calls all of our pitchers, and he calls good games,” Rinaldi said.
Rinaldi felt like St. Paul showed signs of breaking out on offense against Derby. After a hot start, the Falcons hit a rough patch. Rinaldi hopes St. Paul will hit its stride at the right time.
The postseason’s a different animal, and it all starts Saturday against Wolcott.
Click here to see photos from Wednesday’s Senior Day game against Derby.
