The Malibu High School baseball team clinched a playoff berth last week with a 3-2 victory over Fillmore.
The Sharks took on the Flashes at home on Wednesday, pulling out a 3-2 victory in a close game. Malibu had a rough start, allowing Fillmore’s two runs in the first inning on fielding errors. The Sharks were able to recover and get through the frame without further damage. Then, in the bottom of the first, they bounced back, picking up all three of their runs on a two-RBI single by junior Justin Hale and an RBI single from junior Matt Bordier.
The Sharks finished with five errors in the game, but were able to look past their mistakes.
“We just played baseball,” said senior catcher Stephen Williams. “We’re capable of playing exceptionally, and we we’re capable of making three errors in an inning. We play a lot better when we’re relaxed.”
The Sharks enjoyed an exceptional game from sophomore pitcher Matt Cathcart, who threw for all seven innings without giving up an earned run and racking up six strikeouts. Cathcart is third in the league with 59 strikeouts and tied for first with seven wins.
“Matt is unfathomable,” commented sophomore Eric Levine.
With the win, the Sharks advanced their record to 17-5 overall and 7-3 in league play. Their .700 winning percentage has earned them second place in their league behind undefeated St. Bonaventure. From March 8 to April 16, the Sharks ran up a 10-game winning streak before losing to Nordhoff.
The victory was followed by a disappointing 15-3 loss against Fillmore on the road two days later. This was the Sharks’ third loss in league play. Malibu looks to avenge the loss on Thursday when they face undefeated St. Bonaventure at home in the regular season finale
Although they have already guaranteed their spot in the postseason, the Sharks know they have to keep their minds in the present. “We need to stay hungry, and never get content,” Cathcart said.