Eagles Baseball Preps for Prosperous Postseason

The Sharon High baseball team entering the playoffs with momentum and its sights set on a deep run, as this Eagles team look to put their stamp on a memorable year in Sharon athletics.

The 10-seed Eagles (12-8) travel to 7-seed Dighton-Rehoboth (13-7) to open the Division II South tournament on Friday at 4 pm.

“I think we’ve made a lot of progress since the start of the season, but we’ve still got a ways to go in the tournament,” said Sharon senior captain Brad Kaufman. “We’ve come a long way, but we’re not done.”

Senior shortstop Eric Lesser said, “Going into the season, our goal wasn’t to make the playoffs; our goal was to win in the playoffs. Last year, we had one [postseason] win; this year, we’re going to build off of it. It’s nice to make the playoffs, but we won’t be satisfied unless we win some games.”

The Eagles finished the regular season by winning four of their final five games. Head Coach Joel Peckham said, “I thought we’ve had an excellent season. I think if we would hit the ball a little more consistently, we would’ve won some of our one-run games. But we finished strong.”

A pair of Sharon senior captains were recognized for their individual accomplishments at the end of the regular season. Jake Fishman was selected a Hockomock League All-Star and Nathan Pedersen was named an Honorable Mention.

During the regular season, Fishman handily won Hockomock strikeout crown, with 91, and was first in full-time starting pitchers with a 1.28 ERA.

The lefthanded pitcher and batter also finished third in the league in batting average (.500). Peckham says that Fishman, the runner-up for Hockomock League MVP, “should’ve” won the award. 

“Jake has just had a fabulous season – on the mound, in the field, and at the plate,” Peckham said. “He’s the real deal. I think that when he pitches, we have a chance to beat anyone. He’s also hit the ball consistently.”

Peckham says that Pedersen’s glove work at first base has been exemplary. “I think he’s the best defensive first baseman around. He’s made some incredible stretches and picks.

“He just hasn’t swung the bat consistently, and hopefully, he’ll come around in the playoffs. Because if he does, that would mean so much for us,” Peckham added.

Peckham also noted Fishman’s and Pedersen’s leadership, as well that of as fellow captains Colin Gray (catcher) and Kaufman (center fielder). “They’ve been great,” Peckham said.

Looking ahead to Friday’s matchup with the Falcons, Sharon senior second baseman Eric Lesser says that the Eagles, particularly the seniors, are primed for a strong performance.

“Hopefully, going into the playoffs, a lot of players – whether it’s myself, Brad, Nathan, Colin, Jake – are going to be playing their best. We’ll be sure to come out firing, just like we did at the beginning of the season,” Lesser said.

Peckham says that he believes that the squad will step up in the postseason. “We made the tournament. That’s one stage. The next stage is to win.

“I think the team is very confident. I think that with Jake pitching, there’s no question as to the fact that we believe we can win. I think we’re ready,” Peckham added.

Lesser says that offensive production will be crucial. “With Jake on the mound, it’s great to know that Jake can shut the other team down. But at the same time, we need to do our jobs and score runs - get the pressure off of him, and let him do his thing, like he’s done in the past.”

This postseason is far from the first rodeo for many of the Eagle baseball players, some of whom were a part of Sharon football’s Super Bowl-winning squad this past fall and gained experience playing in pressure-packed situations.

“We’ve been a pretty clutch school so far [this athletic year] – whether it’s in football or basketball,” said Lesser. “We know what it takes to win close games - keep doing the little things.

“We definitely have experience winning; we’re not shocked when we win. We’re a team that goes into every game thinking we’re going to win,” Lesser added.

With a victory, the Eagles would advance to the sectional quarterfinals for a third meeting with Davenport Division rival Oliver Ames in Easton on Monday. However, Lesser says that Sharon is focused squarely on Friday.

“We’re not focusing on anyone other than D-R. It's cliche, but we’re really only taking it one game at a time. Once we win, we can shift our focus on to the next opponent, but for now, only one team is on our mind,” Lesser said.

Peckham says that he is highly anticipating a great afternoon of baseball. “This time of year, you never know – we could get a thunderstorm,” he said. “But it’s supposed to be beautiful and warm, which makes baseball even better. It’s great; we’re looking forward to it.”