The Albany Varsity Baseball team (4-1-0) shut out their cross-town rivals, the St. Mary’s Panthers (2-3-1), in a 2-0 victory on Wednesday afternoon.
The rainy weather forced the Cougars to play their scheduled home game on St. Mary’s turf field.
However, that didn’t stop the Cougars from defeating their rival team and maintaining their undefeated league record (4-0).
The game started slow, with no runs scored until the third inning, when junior catcher Kyle Tannahill walked to first base, advanced to second off a base hit by senior center-fielder Myles Babitt, then scored off a double by senior second-baseman Myles Rabin.
Then, in the fifth inning Babitt hit a deep double to left field, stole third, and then scored off a sacrifice fly by Rabin.
The Cougars continued their offensive effort with several other hits, including a double by Rabin, but were unable to bring the runners in.
Thanks to their excellent defense and seven innings of remarkable pitching by senior Ryan Masterson, who is currently 12th in California in strikeouts, the Cougars were able to hold the Panthers and walk away with a 2-0 win.
As for their season, the Cougars have great confidence and high expectations. “We have the tools to go as far as we want,” said team captain Rabin. “Our spectacular pitching and defense, along with our scrappy batting order is guaranteed to rain hell on even the best of teams.”
On Monday, March 22, the Cougars face Miramonte in Orinda for one of their most challenging games of the season.
Their next scheduled league game is March 25 against the St. Joseph Notre Dame Pilots when they hope to get another win and maintain their undefeated league record.
