SHC baseball opened league play with a split against Junipero Serra, dropping the opener 5–1 on Tuesday, March 17, before bouncing back with a strong performance on Friday, March 20.
In game one, Serra jumped out early, plating a run in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Aaron Minton and adding another in the third on Minton's solo home run. The Irish managed their lone run in the sixth when
Jacob Vines launched a solo shot to left field.
Zach Stallworth started on the mound for Sacred Heart Cathedral, tossing four innings while striking out four. Offensively, Vines led the way, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, while
Tommy Do,
Johnny Nepomuceno,
Max Nylander,
Chasin Deninger, and Vines each recorded a hit. The Irish defense also turned a double play in the contest.
SHC responded in Friday's home matchup with a much sharper effort on both sides of the ball. The Irish struck early, with Fung opening the first inning with a single to right, and
Max Nylander later driving in a run. In the second inning, timely hitting continued as the Irish manufactured another run, highlighted by a
Jacob Vines RBI single.
Vines was dominant on the mound in game two, delivering six scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out nine. Alexi Tiopine closed the door, recording two strikeouts to secure the win.
Tiopine was selected Athlete of the Week for his efforts.