During the baseball’s first home game, the Wolverines scored in four of six turns at bat, defeating Classical Academy 8-2, March 6. Contributing heavily to this victory was Elijah Whelan (11), who finished 1-2 with a triple, two RBIs, and two walks, and Charles Jaskowiak (11) who went 2-3 with three runs scored and two triples.

Westview came out strong in the bottom of the first inning, scoring two runs while Classical Academy answered with just one of their own. 

Jaskowiak set the game’s tone on the mound by striking out seven batters across his 4.1 innings and allowing just one earned run, keeping Classical Academy’s offense from finding a rhythm.

“We felt good as a team, and we were confident,” Jaskowiak said. “We had pretty good energy throughout the game, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement there.”

After a scoreless second inning, Westview managed to add two more runs in the third and two in the fourth, pushing their lead to 6-1. Classical Academy kept the Wolverines’ offense relatively quiet through the middle innings, but still failed to catch up.

“Our pitching staff is elite, with multiple guys throwing over 86mph,” Whelan said. “I never feel worried about going into a game, especially with such a highly talented group.”

Classical Academy scored their second and final run in the fifth inning, but Westview responded with two more in the sixth to close it out, 8-2. Tyler Bissessar (12) relieved Jaskowiak on the mound, throwing for 2.2 innings and striking out six batters while allowing no earned runs. 

The win followed a midweek victory over Mira Mesa two days prior, and the team carried that momentum straight into this game. 

“We were coming off a very good win against Mira Mesa on Wednesday, which allowed us to roll into Friday with high energy,” Whelan said. 

Jaskowiak said that energy has been something the team has made a point of maintaining this season.

“Playing against a team that seems like they don’t care versus one that appears to be giving it their all will lead to two very different outcomes,” Whelan said. “When everyone is cheering and focused on the game, it creates a much more competitive environment.”

The team has put a big emphasis on their approach at the plate, being smart and situational rather than just swinging for the fences.

“Sometimes we step in just looking to hit the ball as far as possible when in reality all we need is a ball in play to score,” Whelan said.

With a roster made primarily of juniors and seniors, nearly all of whom have varsity experience, Whelan said this year’s team feels like they are just getting started and have high hopes for the season. 

“Our team’s potential is through the roof this year,” Whelan said. “I know everybody on that field is playing for the team, not for themselves.”