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Bomber coach garners 900th victory

Head Coach George Valesente ’66 talks to his players during a mound visit in an 8–6 win April 27 against SUNY-Oneonta at Freeman Field. The win was the 900th of Valesente’s 33-year career. GRAHAM HEBEL/THE ITHACAN

The history of the baseball program is one with a rich winning tradition. Since its inception in 1931, only four managers have sat in the third base dugout at Freeman Field.

Freshmen trio steps into larger roles

Freshman shortstop Tim Locastro fields a throw at second base in the Blue and Gold’s 8–6 win against SUNY-Oneonta yesterday at Freeman Field. Locastro has a fielding percentage of .941 this season. ANDREW CASPER/THE ITHACAN

Adjustment is a key part of freshman year for any college athlete. Many come in expecting to observe and learn from the upperclassmen.

Sophomore pitchers dominate mound

Sophomore pitcher Jasper Adams fires a pitch in the Bombers’ 5–0 victory April 12 against Cazenovia College at Freeman Field. Adams has helped the team to a 4–3 record in Empire 8 conference play. JAKE LIFSCHULTZ/THE ITHACAN

Upperclassmen pitching was thought to be one of the strengths for the baseball team coming into the season. With seniors Dan Lynch, Aaron Sapp and Andrew Wall returning, the starting rotation seemed set.

Senior pitchers lead with experience

Senior pitcher Dan Lynch throws a pitch Sunday in the Bombers’ 6–4 win against Rochester Institute of Technology. The Blue and Gold are 7–7 overall and 1–1 in the Empire 8 conference this season. RACHEL ORLOW/THE ITHACAN

When people talk about how important experience is in terms of athletics, there are few positions where it proves as valuable as it does for pitchers.

Bombers adjust approach at plate with new bats

Freshman shortstop Tim Locastro steps into a swing Tuesday in the South Hill squad’s 13–1 victory against Keuka College at Freeman Field. JAMES EARL/THE ITHACAN

The notorious “ping” that had accompanied college baseball is no longer a part of the game.

Juniors lead the way early in season

Junior second baseman/shortstop Matt Keller makes a throw to first base during practice Tuesday at Freeman Field. Keller is currently second on the South Hill squad with a .436 batting average. RACHEL ORLOW/THE ITHACAN

The warm temperatures and sun in California did not translate to hot play by the baseball team during spring break.

Squad’s offense jump-starts season

Senior outfielder Rob Zappia takes a swing during practice Tuesday in Ben Light Gymnasium. The South Hill squad has a team batting average of .362 through the first three games of the regular season. KEVIN CAMPBELL/THE ITHACAN

In Major League Baseball, February and March are months when players are working out the kinks from the off-season and getting ready for the long season ahead.


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