A Pitching Powerhouse
Lourdes baseball entered its final regular‑season contest with a clear mission: lock down a playoff berth. The team answered the call with an 11‑2 win over Washingtonville, a result that not only secured the victory but also underscored the effectiveness of its pitching staff.
The rotation proved relentless. Justin Discher tossed five innings, allowing just two hits after the opening solo homers, while Patrick Apmann followed with two shutout frames. Their combined effort kept the opposition’s offense in check and set a tone of confidence for the postseason.
Coach Randy Delanoy has repeatedly praised the staff’s low walk rate and the breadth of talent available. With four pitchers posting ERAs of 2.50 or better — Max Burlingame at 2.47, Apmann at 2.10, Peter Karas at 1.29 and Roy Underwood at 0.88 — the team can match up against any lineup.
Underwood stands out not only for his 31 ⅔ innings pitched and a strikeout‑to‑walk ratio of 53:8, but also for his bat. He is batting .393 with a .500 on‑base percentage, leading the team in hits, runs and walks, adding a dual‑threat dimension.
The depth extends beyond statistics. Eleven starters rotate between left‑handed and right‑handed arms, giving the coaching staff flexibility in matchups. Delanoy notes that the support from the school system and a passionate fan base further fuels the pitchers’ belief as they head into the playoffs.
As the postseason approaches, Lourdes feels prepared for any challenge. The blend of elite arms, offensive contributors, and a nurturing environment positions the team as a formidable contender.