The Dolphins proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with by dominating the Kellam Knights at home with a mercy-rule victory. Coach Pete Zell and the boys sent a message, following a hard-fought season opener.

“We did what we needed to do; they’ve always got a good team, so it’s great to see. Wins like that are part of what it takes to be a championship team,” said coach Pete Zell.

With runs from Carson Demartini, Zach Labiak, and Caillou Sleiman in the first two innings, the Dolphins got off to a hot start. Junior Nick Beatty shut out the Knights four of five innings in his first career start at the mound, only allowing two runs off of an error in the top of the third. 

“[Nick] played very effectively, but people still haven’t seen how good he can be. When he is on his A-game, it’s something to see,” said Zell.

The Dolphins found their rhythm with seven runs in the third inning with scores from Sleiman, Justin Banahan, Trevor Selph, Carson Demartini, Zach Labiak, and two from Marcell Whitfield. 

“I feel really confident; we’re prepared for this. We’ve got a lot of young guys but after these games, we’ve been able to see our preparation put to action and prove that we’ve got a good baseball team that can produce,” said senior Aidan Pinto.

The team dominated with a clear display of confidence and excitement. The Knights simply had no answers for the pressure applied by the Dolphins as Whitfield and Banahan would score again in the bottom of the fourth inning to reach the mercy-rule limit.

“It’s all about individual battles; our hitters versus their pitchers and vice-versa. You win your individual battles and put them all together and apply pressure; merciless pressure,” said Zell.

The Dolphins will have a small window to rest and prepare before they travel to Landstown High School on Tuesday, May 4 to face the Lancers.

“There are some little things that we need to work on, mental mistakes to be corrected. There are always things to work on, even after a good game, but mainly good things to be taken from this as we move on to practice and prepare for Landstown,” said Aidan.