Huge Early Lead Propels Mater to Big Win Over Norland

Mater Academy did not waste any time getting on the scoreboard Thursday afternoon, jumping out to a eight-run, first-inning lead over the Norland Vikings en route to a 22-1 win.

Most of the Mater Academy offense was credited with its patience and approach at the plate as it drew 16 walks throughout the game. The Lions wanted to make sure they were continuing to get better as a team and work on the little details of the game.

“We were just trying to get everyone in the game and get some work for the younger guys,” Mater head coach Eddie Gorriz said.

Mater was able to get good production from some guys off the bench. Joe Luchong, Gio Colon, Andrew Cabezas, Jose Rivera and Aramis Garcia came in and were able to get hits as well as come around to score to add to the Lions’ lead. Garcia sent a shot against the left-center-field fence in the fourth for a triple and two RBI.

Norland’s pitchers struggled most of the afternoon with their accuracy, but were able to settle down in the middle innings and allow the defense behind them to make some plays. Sophomore first baseman Felix De la Cruz made a difficult, over-the-shoulder catch, running into shallow right field to end the second inning.

Although the final score may say otherwise, the Norland Vikings were fighting and playing for the win until the end. The motivation and words of encouragement were coming straight from the Norland coaching staff the entire game.

Recently hired head coach Hank Hankerson has only been working with the team for about two weeks now.

“We only have about four or five kids that have ever played before,” Hankerson said. “So we are just really teaching these kids the game and trying to keep them motivated.”

The Vikings showed signs of great things to come as some key players who had a big impact on the game were De la Cruz, Guirlin Phillipe and Sensi Jarvis.

“De la Cruz is going to be one of those players that will be the foundation of our program,” Hankerson said. “He is only a sophomore so he will be helping us out for the next few years.”

Phillipe was able to make contact with the ball in each at-bat, but in the third inning, he had a big double into left center field. De la Cruz came up right after and connected for his second double of the game and the only RBI for his team.

“Our school is predominantly known for football and basketball,” Hankerson said. “But we are going to try and change that by working on the fundamentals and getting our stuff together. We will be way better in a few weeks.”

Norland is looking forward to its next game against Northwestern on Tuesday. The team’s goal is to learn something from each game and continue to work and just get better.

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