The Lindbergh Flyers baseball squad got off to a soaring start this season, going 10-2 in its first 12 games, including a 9-0 victory over Webster Groves April 2.
The game was close up until the final inning when the Flyers put up seven runs in the seventh. Lindbergh had held a 2-0 lead up until that point.
Flyers head coach Darin Scott explained why the game stayed close until that final inning.
“Some of the hits that were not falling earlier in the game came together and we were able to capitalize on a few mistakes and add to the lead,” Scott said. “Big two-out hits lead to big momentum changes.” Simon Poole and Eli Woodall combined to hold Webster Groves to just one hit in the game, striking out seven batters total.
Michael Politte had a day. The senior shortstop went two-for-three with a pair of home runs, driving in six runs on the afternoon. On the season, Politte is hitting .417 with three home runs and 15 RBIs through 12 games played.
“Michael is rounding into the player he has always had the potential to be,” Scott said. “He is a phenomenal athlete and as his approach at the plate continues to improve, he will only get better and better. He has all the tools you want in a high school player and it is coming together for his senior campaign.”
Adler Crask, Austin Jones and Jack Stockmann each had an RBI in the contest.
The win came a day after Lindbergh dropped a 6-2 decision to Seckman. Before the loss to Seckman, the Flyers had won four games in a row.
A big part of Lindbergh’s success so far this season has been the pitching staff.
The staff has held opponents to three runs or less in seven games this season.
“Our pitchers have done an outstanding job for the most part of throwing strikes and competing on the mound in challenge time,” Scott said. “We have made some huge pitches in tough situations that have been going in our favor.”
Scott was also quick to credit catcher Lane Elder as a big reason the Flyers are having success. Elder is leading the team in doubles (seven) and RBIs (16).
“Lane Elder has been outstanding all season and continues to lead us behind the plate and offensively.”
While a lot has gone right for Scott’s team this season, he said there are still some areas the team needs to focus on improving.
“As long as our guys are getting on base and putting pressure on the defense we will compete in every game,” he said. “We need to cut down on the strikeouts with runners in scoring position, but we have done an outstanding job with two outs scoring runs.”
Now 12-7 for the season, the Flyers were set to play Marquette High School April 19, after The Call went to press.