Falcon Baseball Eyeing Playoff Run

Severna Park had seven hits but scratched across just one run in their rivalry game with Broadneck on April 22. But in the seventh inning with the leadoff runner on, Charlie Delobe stepped in and ripped a shot down the first baseline.

It landed right in first baseman Logan Sabo’s glove, and he stepped on first to double off the runner. The next pitch was a groundout and suddenly the game was over, with the Bruins winning 4-1.

Sometimes it’s just not your day. But the Falcons remain undaunted as they continue their recent good fortunes in the build-up to the postseason, which starts later this week.

“The difference in the game is they got a guy on second base and found a way to get a hit and drive him in and … we didn’t get the clutch hit,” Severna Park coach Pete Buck said. “I feel good about where the kids are swinging the bat. That’s a playoff game right there and that will help us get ready for the month of May.”

Eric Benner danced around trouble in the first inning but pitched all six innings for Severna Park, scattering six hits and allowing three earned runs.

The Broadneck game was their second loss in succession, after the Falcons lost a wild 14-13 game against Arundel. Other than that, though, the season has progressed well. They came out of spring break with six straight wins, topping South River 4-1, Meade 20-0, Annapolis 14-0, Glen Burnie 18-6, Southern 7-2, and Chesapeake 16-3. After the Broadneck game, they beat Old Mill 10-0 and Crofton 8-0. Reese Davis threw a no-hitter, striking out 12 and walking none. Crofton’s only baserunner came on an error in the second inning.

The Falcons went on to oust North County 16-2 and Northeast 3-2, clinching a spot in the county championship game against Broadneck, to be played May 5 at Joe Cannon Stadium.

Though the Falcons sat at 13-6 with one regular season game remaining and the county championship against Broadneck on May 5, they feel optimistic about the path forward to the 4A East 1 region playoffs. There they have North County, Meade, Glen Burnie, Severn Run and Mervo standing in their way on the road to the state quarterfinals.

Severna Park looks to ride Benner and Davis on the mound, while getting contributions from the plate to push them across the line.

“Our strength is our pitching staff. I love where we’re moving toward and that’s going to help us in May,” Buck said. “When we come to the playoffs, I love the fact we have Benner-Davis for five games in the playoffs back-to-back, and if we can get the bats, we’re going to make some noise.”