Stratford baseball team wins home opener, 8-7

Stratford High School's baseball team started the season strong with a thrilling win in their home opener. On March 17, the Knights came back from being four runs behind to defeat Ashley Ridge 8-7. During the game, Coach Tony Osterman praised his team's spirit and resilience. He noted that they could have given up but instead chose to fight until the end. Senior outfielder Tripp Smith played a key role, hitting an infield single that scored the winning run. Eighth-grader Caleb Lott also made an important contribution, starting a rally in the sixth inning with a line drive single. The game was intense, with Ashley Ridge threatening to take the lead in the final inning. But senior pitcher Bryce Herpolsheimer secured the win with solid relief pitching. The team showed strong offensive play with several players stepping up. Herpolsheimer began the comeback with a home run earlier in the game. Davis, Tripp Smith, and Lee added multiple hits and RBIs. Lott, playing catcher, showcased his skills by throwing out two base runners. The Knights now have a record of 1-0 and will face Fort Dorchester and Georgetown in their next two games. They have high hopes for the season, aiming for a chance at the state championship. Coach Osterman expressed confidence in the team's potential, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving their goals.