Coming into this spring, second-year Head Coach Dan Driscoll had high expectations for the Old Saybrook baseball team and though the squad did not meet those goals, the Rams had many individual accomplishments that were met and a season-ending victory to boost morale.

“We did not meet our preseason goals—we had expected to make states and the Shoreline Conference Tournament and unfortunately did not this year,” said Driscoll.

Old Saybrook finished 3-17 and that third win came against eventual Class S champion Portland by the score of 2-0, a win that loomed large for the Rams. Nolan Reid (1-for-3) hit a two-out double in the second inning to get the Rams going and Michael Gargano then came up with a clutch RBI single. The score remained 1-0 until the top of the seventh, when Jimmy Henderson (1-for-2 with a run scored) was hit by a pitch. Henderson was moved to second on a single by Scott Cabral (1-for-4) and Ethan Casberg then laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt down the third base line to move the runners to second and third for Jack Condulis. Condulis (2-for-4, RBI) lined a single to left center to score Henderson and gave the Rams the 2-0 lead. Jacob Faulkingham, who was 2-for-4 at the plate, sealed the victory for the Rams on the mound with a 1-2-3 bottom of the seventh inning as he earned the win, throwing a complete-game shutout while allowing only two hits with six strikeouts.

“Beating Portland at the end of the season was a big deal—they eventually went on to win the Class S Championship,” said Driscoll. “Jake Faulkingham pitched a two-hit shutout and the guys finally put it all together for a big win.”

Leading the Rams were captains Condulis, Reid, Casberg, and Sam Nochera. Condulis, a senior infielder, batted .330 with 10 RBI; Reid, a senior centerfielder, batted .225 with four RBI and 10 stolen bases; Casberg, a junior rightfielder, batted .277 with five RBI and 12 stolen bases; and Nochera, a junior DH, batted .200 with three RBI. Senior Adam Seegert (pitcher and infielder) batted .250 with seven RBI and senior Charlie Maxson (a pitcher) were both contributors as well.

The Rams will be returning three sophomores and three juniors to next year’s squad and their No. 1 pitcher, Faulkingham, will also be returning, giving Old Saybrook another season of high expectations that Driscoll hopes can be met.

“This was an incredibly hard-working group,” said Driscoll. “Even with a tough season, all the athletes came to practice and games with a great attitude. Big thanks to my captains Jack Condulis, Nolan Reid, Ethan Casberg, Sam Nochera and seniors Adam Seegert and Charlie Maxson who kept morale high, even in the face of adversity. I already can’t wait to get back to work next year.”