Norland Shows Future Is Present In Win Over Jackson

For Norland Manager Dave Dresner, any talk about the future seems irrational. After all, his squad’s present is as bright as the future. His team, while talented, is one of the most underrated in the county, one sleeping giant that must not be awaken. A loss Thursday to the Dr. Krop Lighting seemed to do the trick.

Friday, Norland responded by beating Miami Jackson 9-2.

“When we are focused and we understand where we come from and what we have to do, I think that we have a lot of potential to be reckoned with,” said Dressner. “Baseball is a mental game, and it’s hard for young players sometimes to understand that. It can be a simple game too. You hit the ball, you catch the ball and you throw the ball. But we are trying to teach them discipline on and off the field, focus, humility, that kind of things. All things combined, their baseball skill are going to take care of themselves. I’m proud of them.”

Norland (8-2) had an offense that was on point against Miami Jackson. The team collected 15 hits and was always capable of putting pressure on the opposing pitcher. The Vikings are a team highlighted by two seniors, including the leadoff hitter and ace pitcher Cleveland Westbrook, who on the day was a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs and a stolen base.

Darius Pryce-Lewis reached base safely in all four plate appearances, scoring three times, and hitting a highlight-reel, inside-the-park-home-run in the sixth inning. Brandon Carter chipped in by going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two triples.

Dillon Belle-Viel, an imposing and prototypical catcher with a cannon for an arm, finished the day with a double and a couple of runs batted in.

“It feels good to get these hits, but it feels better to get the victory,” Belle-Viel said. “We are just focusing on Goleman next week, and we are going to take it one game at the time.”

The Vikings on the afternoon sent to the mound senior Kevin Harris, who seemed to be in trouble in the first inning. He gave up a hit to open things up to Fransisco Brenes, who stole second and scored on a line-drive hit by Kerlin Mateo. This was everything that Harris gave up through the first six frames. He kept control of the Generals lineup, only throwing 90 pitches, mixing his off-speed with a fastball, and being aided by his team and his own plays on defense. The first three innings all ended with double plays, helping Harris escape without much damage.

Miami Jackson Manager Rafael Jiron knows his young squad is in for better days.

“We have a young team that the inexperience comes out every time,” said Jiron. “Once we don’t come through with the big hit in a key situation, our attitude comes down right away. It’s just a learning progress with this team right now.”

The Generals (2-8) used their entire bench in an effort to get the young players some playing time. Jiron explained that he was trying to give his team a spark with the substitutions.

Jiron even went as far as innovating placing pitchers as hitters.

In the bottom of the seventh with the score 9-1, Yolian Hernandez, a pitcher with no offensive experience, led off, and proceeded to hit a deep fly ball over the head of the center fielder. By the time the play ended, Hernandez had himself an inside-the-park home run.

“I wanted to pay my coach back the confidence of putting me into the game as a hitter. I came out to hit a good ball and the home run came.” Hernandez said.

Dresner acknowledged the capabilities of his team after the game.

“When their bats are active and they are swinging at first pitches, we are good to go,” said Dressner. “We have to keep playing strong. I don’t want to go out and say that we have a lot of potential, I want them to reach their potential. If we reach our maximum potential offensively and defensively, this is going to be one of our best years for the school. That is great for the kids.”

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