The baseball team is off to a powerful start this season, opening with three straight wins behind strong pitching, explosive innings, and clutch hitting. With standout performances from Oliver S. ’25, Oliver B. ’25, and Will R. ’25, the Panthers have showcased their depth and ability to produce in big moments.
Head coach Justin Hawkins has been particularly impressed with the team’s balance and offensive firepower. “What has impressed me the most is the depth of the lineup. I feel like we have good leadership at the top of the lineup with tough at-bats all the way down,” he said.
In the season opener, Oliver S. delivered a commanding performance on the mound, striking out 14 batters in a near no-hit bid and scoring three times at the plate. Oliver B. led the offensive explosion, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and a triple, driving in two runs and crossing the plate three times himself. Will R., Sam T. ’27, and Matilda H. ’26 all contributed three RBIs in a game where four players recorded multiple hits.
That momentum carried into their second game, where a nine-run third inning fueled a 9-4 victory over Summerfield Waldorf. Colin F. ’26 ignited the rally with a bunt single to lead off the inning and later added an RBI base hit. The biggest hit of the inning came from Will R., who crushed a double to keep the rally going. Oliver B. stayed hot at the plate, adding two more hits, including another double. He also took the mound, pitching three strong innings before handing it off to Crosby H. ’28, who closed out the game before darkness called it early.
SD’s bats stayed red-hot in game three, an 18-12 slugfest against SF Waldorf at Big Rec Park in San Francisco. Oliver B. continued his incredible streak, going 3-for-5 with a triple and four runs scored, while Will R. matched him with three hits of his own, scoring twice and driving in two runs. Julian M. ’28 and Oliver S. also chipped in with two hits apiece in the high-scoring affair.
Oliver B.’s early-season offensive success has been about having the right approach at the plate. “Early in the count, I’m looking for a fastball over the middle of the plate that I can barrel to left-center and punish the pitcher,” he explained. “I focus on staying within myself, keeping a smooth, controlled swing that stays on plane with the pitch, and letting the strength work I put in during the offseason generate the power.” His approach shifts depending on the situation, particularly in two-strike counts. “Late in the count, my approach shifts to battling and refusing to strike out, forcing the other team to make a play. I’ve yet to strike out this year, and I’m looking to keep that streak alive because good things happen when you put the ball in play.”
In addition to his success at the plate, Oliver B. has also contributed on the mound, balancing both roles seamlessly. “During games, I’m just focusing on the current moment,” he said. “When I’m on the mound, my only concern is executing each pitch and attacking the hitter in front of me—I’m not thinking about my next at-bat or anything else. When I step into the batter’s box, my mindset shifts completely to hitting. It’s just me and the pitcher, and I’m focused on finding a good pitch to drive. Staying present in each moment helps me perform at my best in both roles.”
Meanwhile, Will R. has delivered clutch hits in back-to-back games, driving in key runs when the team has needed them most. When asked about his mindset in those moments, he kept it simple. “This might sound cliché, but I just try to see the ball and swing. It’s always fun to drive in runs—especially when some of your closest friends are on base. At the end of the day, the only way to get an RBI is if a teammate gets on first.”
SD’s offensive firepower has been one of the biggest storylines early in the season, with the team consistently putting up big innings. According to Will R., the key to that success is the depth of the lineup. “I think what makes this team so dangerous is that everyone in the order can hit, from the one slot to the nine slot. I am confident in everyone’s ability to get on base, so we score lots of runs when everyone is locked in.”
With such a strong start, Oliver S. is looking to keep things rolling—but with one major focus in mind. “My biggest goal for this season is really just to keep my arm healthy so I can stay out there on the mound,” he said. “As long as I’m able to stay out there, I’m confident I’ll be successful and keep pitching the way I started the season.”
Coach Hawkins believes this team has embraced its identity earlier than in past seasons, particularly when it comes to setting the offensive tone. “This group of seniors has been pretty tight for four years now, and I’m looking forward to seeing the culmination of their time together,” he said. “We struggled to find our identity as a team last year, but this group has started early this year, setting an offensive tone that the younger players are soaking up.”
One of the key areas he’s still focused on improving is the consistency of the pitching staff. “Last year, our pitchers struggled to consistently compete in the strike zone. I’m looking for more consistency from our pitching staff. If our pitchers work the strike zone, we compete.”