18-2: It’s not a score or a subtraction problem. It’s a win-loss ratio.
After deciding that the final game of the season against last-place Stony Brook would be a 15-0 victory on Wednesday afternoon in a game that was actually much more lopsided, Southold baseball coach Mike Carver took his team to the pitching mound and just talked, hoping each and every one of his players understood that this group of players have much more to accomplish than just a first place finish in League IX.
“I was telling them they need to stay focused,” Carver said. “Be committed mentally. They have all the physical ability, they just need to be mentally strong for the playoffs. It’s not an every year thing.”
Just last year, this same group of players plus or minus a few, was 4-11.
“You’ve got to seize the moment,” Carver said. “They are the most complete team I’ve ever coached in 20 years and have the best shot at winning everything.”
They looked every bit the hitting powerhouse against Stony Brook as each player got at least five at bats, some got six with hits in almost every plate appearance.
“They got plenty cuts today which is always good,” Carver said. “No matter who your opponent is.”
Luke Hansen hit 5-for-6 in the nine hole with five RBIs. If that doesn’t say it all, there’s not much else to understand. Shayne Johnson added a 3-for-5 performance with three RBIs and two runs scored. Alex Poliwoda earned his 8th win of the season.
The whole season essentially comes down to a three-game playoff series against Pierson/Bridgehampton. The First Settlers will be the No. 1 seed and will have home field advantage should the series go to a third game. The winner will advance to the southeast regional and will be just one win away from making farther than any team under the leadership of Mike Carver.
“We’re three wins away from the final four,” Carver said. “Since there’s no Long Island championship, the winner of the series goes right to the Class C Southeast Regional.”
The last time his team went to the Southeast Regional was 2003, when they lost in heat-breaking fashion to Dobbs Ferry. That loss still stays with him to this day.
“We lost there in 2003 and I’ve been hungry ever since,” Carver said. “Ever since 2003 I’ve been thinking about getting back. And they’re hungry. A lot of these guys want it and they want it bad.”
According to the Section XI bracket, the Class C championship will commence May 26 at 4pm. Southold won the season series against No. 2 Pierson (13-6 League IX) 3-1.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Courtney Blasl.
