To say the 2022 version of Wolcott baseball is familiar with close games is an understatement.
The last four games the Eagles have played have been decided by two runs or less. Wolcott has alternated losses and wins over that four-game stretch and sits at 11-7 with two games left in the regular season. Perseverance has been a big key for the Eagles.
“Ultimately, these type of games are why you compete,” Wolcott coach Craig Prasauckas said. “I might need my heart rate checked (LOL), but these games are much more fun to be part of rather than mercy rule games, and we learn more about our players in these games as opposed to the others.”
Wolcott began its recent four-game stretch with a 4-2 home loss to NVL Iron Division foe Watertown. The four-game ride came full circle on Friday, when the Eagles claimed a 5-3 road win over the Warriors. In between there was a 6-5 home win over Derby and a 5-4 home loss in nine innings to Torrington.
“We really try to teach our players what should happen during each pitch or game situation. Our players must know their specific role on every pitch in any situation,” Prasauckas said. “Being physically prepared and mentally focused is the key to winning at all levels.”
In the loss to Watertown, there was a key two-run home run in the top of the fifth inning that gave the visitors the lead. While the Warriors got the big hit, the Eagles left 12 on base. Wolcott had to work its way through blustery winds and sloppy play to beat Derby by a single run on senior day. Mistakes and runners left on base hurt the Eagles in the extra inning loss to the Raiders.
“The ability to focus on each pitch comes from years of practice and learning over the course of replicating different situations,” Prasauckas said. ” Specifically, in a one run/tie/extra inning game, we’ve said many times that all we need is 3 singles and we get the job done, hoping that keeps players from pressing in the moment and simplifying the game as much as possible.”
On Friday, Wolcott used a mix of experience and youth to down Watertown at Deland Field. Senior Devin Fuegen hit a home run, and junior Joe Ferrucci pitched the first five innings for the win. As for the younger players, sophomore Drew Rocca garnered a two-inning save. Sophomore Nicolas Kleinschmidt and freshman Michael McCormack each had two hits. The win was a big one for Wolcott as it maintains its grip on one of the eight seeds in the upcoming NVL tournament. Before the postseason can get underway, the Eagles have Naugatuck at home on Monday, followed by Crosby on the road on Tuesday to close out the regular season.
GALLERY: Here are my photos from Wednesday’s game against Torrington.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Wolcott baseball team has shown perseverance during recent struggles, and that helped the Eagles pick up a big road win on Friday. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69)
