By Katie Winkler
Review Staff Writer
Capping a successful regular season, the LOHS varsity baseball team beat Rochester Adams Sunday, sweeping a doubleheader to capture the Oakland Athletics Association Red Division title.
The team now advances to regional competition which begins May 27th.
With 19 wins and 10 loses, Head Coach Andy Schramek couldn’t be more proud of his team and all they have accomplished so far this season.
The team’s record of 19-10 is impressive since they began the season at 5-6.
‘I consider it a privilege to be able to coach these guys. They all work hard and are really good people. I have an excellent coaching staff that all gets along so its fun,? Schramek said. ‘I consider it an honor.?
Against Adams, the Dragons used their strong pitching duo of Brad Schaenzer and Josh Bays to win by scores of, 3-1 and 2-0. Bays, who threw a no-hitter two weeks ago, tossed the shutout.
The team has been led by its top three hitters, sophomores Jacob Christiansen, Mike Falter and junior Miles Hardy.
In the coming days, the team will continue to play more league games before regionals, and, hopefully, advance to quarterfinals and state finals.
Over Memorial Day weekend, they will be playing a charity game at home for A Mother’s Wish. These games, and practice, will give the team time to prepare for playoff games.
On Friday, the team will play a doubleheader against Lowell during the day.
‘It’s a friendly rivalry; they come down every year. Some of the kids will get out of class and be able to watch the game. We have a hot dog vendor coming so it should be fun,? Schramek said. ‘I hope that we can put it together for the next couple weeks and have a long playoff run.?
For five seniors on the varsity baseball team, these next few games will be the last time playing on Lake Orion’s field.
For Connor Grant, Schaenzer and Bays, their road does not end here. Grant has committed to play at Kalamazoo College, Schaenzer at University of Kentucky, and Bays at Western Michigan University. Schram expressed his gratitude towards these players and looks forward to being fans of theirs as they continue on with their baseball career.
‘Most of these kids I’ve known since they were 9, 10, 11 years old. It’s fun to watch them grow and achieve their goals to play college or professional baseball,? Schramek said.