By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Any given season, expectations surrounding Xaverian baseball are extremely high. In 2018, however, the Hawks will look to qualify for the Super Eight for the third straight season and take care of some unfinished business after rival BC High eliminated them in the third-round last June.
Leading the Hawks into battle in 2018 will be a trio of senior captains in pitcher Sean Birch, pitcher and Northeastern commit Owen Langan, and shortstop Jake Cassidy. In order to get back to the Super Eight, the Hawks know that they need to produce at the plate, and are just taking things on a game-by-game basis.
“Some expectations we have are just getting on base and manufacturing runs,” said Xaverian junior Matt Joyce. “Early in the season, it’s a pitcher’s game, so it’s the little things that count as hitters.”
Several impact bats to watch out for this season for the Hawks will be senior second baseman Kyle Sylvester, senior first-baseman/outfielder Craig Jones, and the two captains, Jake Cassidy and Sean Birch. Junior outfielder Jack Whorf will also have a big impact with his versatility and mix of both speed and power.
Headlining Xaverian’s pitching rotation in 2018 will be Langan as the staff ace. Behind Langan will be Birch, followed by junior Dylan Vaglica.
“All three of those guys have great command and are definitely our top three pitchers as of now,” said Joyce. “They will all make a large impact for us on the mound.”
Outside of their three smoke-throwing starters, Joyce says that pitching depth is a key strength of this season’s Hawks.
“There are several other pitchers on the team that have the ability to throw strikes,” said Joyce. “Our team has a strong rotation and several guys available in relief who can do damage.”
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
