Cairn is set to open up tournament play in the United East. | PHOTO: Cairn Athletics |
Cairn is gearing up for their fourth encounter with Wilson College this season, marking the start of the Divisional Round in the United East.
So far, they've shown strength by clinching two victories out of three games. While they stumbled in the first game with a score of 13-9, they bounced back impressively during the home doubleheader, winning 8-2 and 12-2.
First pitch is set for Friday at 3 p.m. on the campus of host Keystone.
The Highlanders season record of 24-15, including a dominant 14-4 performance in United East Skye Division play, speaks volumes about their consistent performance. The team has showcased talent on both pitching and hitting fronts, making them a formidable force.
Freshman standout Mikey Gutierrez has been a revelation on the mound, boasting a 2.39 ERA and a 7-3 record, setting a new program record for wins in a single season. He's also just a handful of strikeouts away from breaking the team's single-season strikeout record set by Ronaldinho Alcin in 2023.
Complementing Gutierrez is sophomore catcher Zach Bauers, who not only excels behind the plate with a .341 batting average but also impresses with his arm, thwarting 16 attempted base thefts.
On the pitching side, senior right-hander Eli Schooley has been a reliable starter, contributing a 4-2 record and a solid 3.55 ERA across eight starts. In the bullpen, the duo of junior lefty Joe Battaglia and sophomore righty Greg Jessup has provided crucial support with 12 and 14 appearances, respectively. Battaglia boasts a 5-1 record, while Jessup remains undefeated at 4-0, showcasing the team's depth and versatility in pitching options.
Turning to their offensive prowess, junior First Baseman Tyler Warr from Langhorne, PA, has been a standout performer, leading the conference with a stellar .447 batting average. Warr's consistency at the plate is evident through his 63 hits and 46 RBI, making him a linchpin in Cairn's offensive strategy. Additionally, right fielder Dylan Jackson has been a power source, topping the team charts with seven home runs, adding another dimension to Cairn's formidable lineup.
Wilson enters the tourney with a 19-15 overall record, including a 13-5 mark in United East play.