“The seniors are hard workers and really improved their years on the team,” Delfino said in his speech. “Some did not have a lot of baseball experience prior to high school but have shown tremendous work ethic and have been invaluable contributors to us, both in practice and in games. We’re certainly going to miss them.” 

Continuing a Harker tradition that dates back seven years, the seniors’ mothers came to the diamond at the end of the ceremony to throw the first pitch to their sons. 

Co-captain and pitcher Adi threw for Harker in the first inning, with catcher and infielder Shaurya Jain (9) behind the batter. Adi secured the first out against the Grizzlies, but the second Jefferson batter earned a free walk to first base. Seizing the opportunity, Adi picked off the Grizzly runner who strayed from the base for the inning’s second out. 

Outfielder Brandon headed the Eagles as their lead-off batter and earned a walk to first base. Shaurya’s base hit sent Brandon to home base, allowing him to score the first run of the game. 

In the second inning, Harker once again prevented Jefferson from making runs, with third baseman Gabe Sachse (11) tagging out a Grizzly. The Eagles took their turn to bat, led by co-captain and pitcher Jack, but the Grizzlies’ pitcher caught an Eagle’s pop fly, ending Harker’s batting period. 

The Eagles continued to keep the Grizzlies scoreless during the next two innings. Infielder Aarav Borthakur (11)’s hit allowed both outfielder Ryan Pham (9) and Adi, who were on the third and second base respectively, to run home. Maintaining their momentum, the Eagles scored four more runs, extending their lead to 6-0.