The Old Saybrook baseball team closed out the 2022 regular season by playing four ballgames last week. The Rams claimed victories in three of those contests to finish with a record of 14-4 for regular-season play this spring.

Old Saybrook lost to Coginchaug in its first game of the week before bouncing back with two wins against St. Bernard and a victory versus Portland. With an excellent regular season complete, the Rams now turn their attention toward Shorelines and states.

Old Saybrook started off the week by dropping a 2-1 decision at Coginchaug on May 9. Three days later, the Rams were on the road for a doubleheader versus St. Bernard and swept the set by posting a 2-1 win in the first game and 13-5 triumph in the nightcap.

“To start off the week, we lost a close one against a quality Coginchaug team. We knew it was going to be a high-level game going in, as we beat them the first time around, and the winning culture and leadership they have in that dugout,” Coach Fraser said. “It was just a quality baseball game, and they had a few bigger hits and made some important plays defensively. I was happy that we were able to bounce back against St. Bernard and win a close one in the first game with quality pitching and defense.”

Senior captain Carson Brown pitched 5 strong innings to get the win for the Rams in the opening game of their double dip with St. Bernard. Brown gave up 1 run on 4 hits and 1 walk to go with 4 strikeouts. Sophomore Connor Lane threw the last 2 innings to notch the save for Old Saybrook, allowing 1 walk and striking out 4 hitters in the 2-1 victory

Senior captain Jake Butler went 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI to lead the Rams’ offense. Senior Nick Scalzo went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored; senior captain Noah Hester had a walk with a run scored and a stolen base; and senior Nick Rothman had an RBI.

“I feel like the team is progressing well. They are starting to buy into different philosophies and adjustments that the coaching staff is preaching each day,” said Fraser. “The most impressive thing I have noticed about this group is their connectedness and culture. That starts with this senior class. Boy, are they special. All the guys love to be together day in and day out. They love to spend time together in and out of practice, and I believe that shows on the field, because they’re all just pushing for one another.”

Grace pitched 5 innings to pick up the victory when the Rams defeated St. Bernard by a 13-5 final in the nightcap. Hester worked 2 scoreless innings to close out the win. Sophomore Auggie Albert went 3-for-3 with a double, 2 runs scored, 2 RBI, and a stolen base for Old Saybrook.

Hester went 2-for-4 with 2 runs, an RBI, and a stolen base; Grace was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI; and Rothman went 2-for-3 with 2 runs, an RBI, and 2 stolen bases for the Rams. Scalzo went 1-for-3 with a run, a walk, and an RBI; freshman Charlie Carmichael was 1-for-2 with a walk and 2 runs scored; and Lane had a walk with a run scored and 2 RBI.

“I have been impressed with each and every player in the program. Each guy has found and excelled in their role, whether that is to be our ace, No. 3 three hitter, or be the best foul ball guy,” Fraser said. “Guys buy into their role, and that’s what makes this team special and a pleasure to coach each day.”

The Rams wrapped up their week by earning a 5-1 win over Portland in a home game on May 14. Butler allowed 1 run over 6 innings with 9 strikeouts to pick up the victory. Lane pitched a scoreless seventh to slam the door for the Rams. Butler also went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, and 2 runs scored. Grace went 1-for-3 with 2 RBI; while Rothman was 1-for-3 with a run, an RBI, and 3 stolen bases for Coach Fraser’s squad.

“We can continue to work on our ability to handle adversity and failure,” said Fraser. “Baseball is a tough game. You are going to fail. Players have to know that it is all about how you respond and to remain confident in the work that they have put in to get there.”

Coach Fraser is looking forward to seeing his team compete in the upcoming playoff tournaments. Fraser’s main goal for the Rams to play as hard as they can in every postseason game.

“Expectations for the remainder of the year are to continue to get better in each aspect of the game and focus on one game at a time,” Fraser said. “During postseason time, you can really get into the habit of looking too far ahead, but the goal right now is to go 1-0 each game, and that will continue to be stressed to the guys day in and day out.”