Over spring break, the Lockport Porter Baseball team got the opportunity to travel to Memphis, Tennessee, to take part in some competitive out-of-state matchups. From March 24 to March 26, the team played five games, winning four and losing 1, improving their record to an impressive 5-1. During the trip, the team got a chance to showcase their skill and compete against teams they otherwise would never play. The trip also served as a bonding experience, building team chemistry, an essential aspect of a baseball team.
On their first day in Memphis, the Porters opened strong, beating the Northside Varsity Grizzlies 5-3 in a tightly contested game. The game was highlighted by strong pitching, with four different Porters taking the mound and only allowing 3 runs through 7 innings. It was a complete team effort on offense, with five different players contributing RBIs to give the Porters the win.
Later that day, the Porters continued their success and delivered a dominant 7-0 shutout victory over the Prairie Ridge Varsity team. The Porters again showcased their strength on the mound, with three different pitchers combining for a no-hitter. Starting pitcher Martin Kinnane (26) threw four innings, striking out five, followed by reliever Brenden Mecher (26) throwing two and a third innings and striking out six before Caden Russell (26) came in and pitched the final two-third innings to secure the victory for the Porters.
Lockport kept their winning streak alive going into their second day in Memphis, beating the George Washington Varsity Pirates 4-3 in another closely contested matchup. The game was tied 3-3 in the sixth inning when designated hitter Joey DalPonte (25) delivered the go-ahead RBI to give the Porters the lead. Matthew Fox (25) sealed the game for the porters on the mound, closing the game with three scoreless innings and earning the win. After the game, the Porters got the chance to make the short trip to the University of Mississippi to watch the Ole Miss baseball team and Porter alum Ryan Moerman take on the University of Memphis. The Rebels won 7-5.
On their last day in Memphis, the Porters played a strong Ventura Cougars team from California. The Porters faced tough pitching along with a strong offense, losing the game 10-0 in six innings. To finish the trip, the Porters bounced back and beat the Henry County Cougars 24-2. The bats started off hot for Lockport, with Caden Russell (26) beginning the game with a leadoff triple. The offense continued to roll, with 10 different players collecting RBIs in a complete team effort win.
“The trip was truly amazing, it was a memorable experience that gave us a chance to build team chemistry while also competing against new teams that we’ve never seen. It gave us a great way to start the season on the right footing,” said Junior Third Basemen Zachary Skrzypiec.
The trip served as a testament to the team’s early season form. The team returns home with 4 more wins, momentum, and confidence as they look forward to the rest of the season.
