The Skinny:
The Quakers impressed in their MAC debut, dominating Potomac in a lengthy 6 inning affair despite worsening weather conditions.

Synopsis:
Sidwell's offense was persistent. Potomac was forced to pull their starting pitcher in the first inning after he gave up 3 runs. The Quakers showed up offensively every inning and showed a disdain for complacency, an attribute necessary to win a MAC title. In the top of the 6th, Sidwell exploded for 6 runs and almost won the game by 10-run rule, but Potomac pushed across a single run the bottom of the 6th to extend the game another inning, although the 7th inning was not completed due to darkness. Sidwell's offense collected a total of 25 baserunners, with 8 of 9 batters reaching base safely at least twice.

Senior captain and starting pitcher Mark Ossolinski was highly effective in his 2nd start of the season, allowing only 3 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 7 over 6 innings. Ossolinski was particularly impressive in later innings as rainfall became heavier and mound conditions deteriorated. The defense behind Ossolinski was solid overall, although a couple Potomac batters reached base on defensive plays that would likely have been made under ordinary playing conditions.

Analysis:
The Quakers were patient throughout with a total of 15 offensive walks, but their patience was particularly effective in the first inning, garnering 3 runs without recording a hit. Sidwell hitters often battled from 0-2 counts to work walks, making Potomac pitchers throw a lot of pitches. But the Quaker offense did not rely on walks by opposing pitchers to score runs, mustering 10 hits of their own. If Sidwell can continue to hit like they did today, their offense should be formidable in the future.

Throughout his varsity career, Ossolinski has enjoyed a lot of success against Potomac. Last season in Sidwell's MAC debut he pitched 5 stellar innings allowing only 4 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 7. The senior captain also pitched a scoreless inning against Potomac in 2009, his sophomore year, bringing his career ERA against the Panthers to a tidy 1.75. Ossolinski's ability to throw both fastballs and curveballs for strikes early in the count was crucial to his success, as many Potomac batters watched 1st pitches as he frequently moved ahead in counts.

Looking Ahead:
Sidwell has an important MAC game at Maret (Jellef Rec. Center) on Friday and will look to secure an early MAC lead. The Frogs ended the Quakers seasons in a tough 9-6 loss, so the Quakers will look for some revenge in this Friday afternoon tilt.

Sidwell's next contest with Potomac will be at home on April 23rd.

Note: Game ended early due to darkness. By Rule 4-2-2, because the home team's score did not equal or exceed the visitor's score during the home team's half of the incomplete inning, the score reverts back to what it was at the end of six complete innings. However, individual statistics accrued during the incomplete inning are counted.