For the second year in a row, the baseball team lost in heartbreaking fashion. With a tough loss to Haddon Heights, the boys’ season ended in the semi-final round of the NJSIAA tournament. Having clinched the division, the Pirates finished 17-9 on the season and won the first two playoff games against Barnegat and West Deptford, respectively.

Head Coach Eric Teesdale, in his second year, reflected on last season and his expectations going into this season.

“This year a lot of players returned, last year we only had four seniors and a lot of current players got their first full season under their belt. I think we’re a little more experienced and more prepared,” Teesdale said. “The team also has more depth at different positions that will also aid them in a deep playoff run. We have a lot of experience in depth at certain positions. I definitely think we’re a solid and deep team and when it comes to Group 2 I’m definitely excited for playoff time.” 

Senior captain Daulton McDonald expressed his goal for his final high school season. 

“Reaching the playoffs and finishing what we started last year by proving what kind of team we are,” McDonald said. “Showing people that we are hungry for the playoff run and sectional title.” 

McDonald is one of the four named captains of the team for the 2023 season. The decision was made by the team and its coaches. Teesdale explained his thought process about determining team captains. 

“We base it off what we’ve seen from that spring, the leadership characteristics they’ve shown along with the commitment they’ve shown, I wanted them to put themselves in that position,” Teesdale said.

Having split their record against Delran, the Pirates took the first win 5-2 on April 5th before Delran secured a win on May 2nd in the second game.

Sophomore starter Noah Harvey weighed in his opinion on taking game one of the two-game series.

“It felt great, they’re a great team but we’re gonna have another shot at them, and they’re gonna have that extra fire to try and beat us this time so we need to bring it to them a lot more,” Harvey said.