Indians Started Season Strong, Then Struggled with Inconsistency

MAHOPAC - Few would have guessed that after a 5-2 start to the season, the Mahopac High baseball team would struggle the rest of the way, winning only one more game and missing out on the playoffs with a final mark of 6-14.

The Indians root their teammates from the dugout during a game against John Jay EF. The 'Pac developed a bad habit of losing games in the late innings, and were unable to get the last few wins they needed to qualify for the postseason tournament.

"It was a tough year for us," said first-year manager Chris Miller. "Obviously it didn't end the way we though it would. We had a good start, then we kind of hit a wall… we got knocked off course and we couldn't right it. We played a lot of close games, and we were in every game until the end. For the most part we were right there, but a lot of times there was one little thing that cost us the game."

Senior team captain and center fielder Matt Petrone, a three-year varsity player, was named to the All-Section and All-League teams. Petrone led Mahopac in batting average (.422) and hits (27).

Pat Farina "He'll be sorely missed," Miller said. "He got progressively better each year, and to bat .422 - that's a phenomenal year. He was our best player… there are so many things he did for us. He led the offense, was a great center fielder, and a great individual."

Senior team captain and left fielder Pat Farina, a three-year varsity player, earned All-League honors. Farina led the team in RBI (16) and extra base hits, and batted .367.

"Pat was our three hitter and he did a very good job," Miller said. "Our top RBI guy, and probably the one who had the most consistent pop in his bat. There was always pressure on him, and he played well. He led us in outfield assists, and also will be very tough to replace."

Miller also mentioned solid contributions from seniors senior captains Nick Raptis (3B) and Mark Rudovic (1B), senior pitcher Nick Iuni (61 Ks in 49 innings), junior pitcher Chris Erker (2.44 ERA) and sophomore SS Alec Petrone.

"They were all every day guys, and played well," Miller said. "The record doesn't show it, but these guys and the post-season guys all played well and had a good season."

Matt Petrone The Indians lose seven to graduation, and Miller is looking forward to next spring.

"We have a lot of young guys who played, and will be back," he said. "They're quality guys, and they'll get better. And there are some JV players who can help us… We have some guys to replace, but I'm confident the young guys can help us win some games. We'll also be in a new league, so I'm curious to see some new teams."