BY DAVID FOLSE II

Sports Editor

RESERVE-Encouraged.

Not happy, not disappointed, not mad, but encouraged.

After concluding their first half of district play, the Riverside baseball team was 2-1 in district 10-2A heading into their game Tuesday against West St. John. Overall, the Rebels are 14-7.

Winning their most recent game this past Saturday against Ridgewood, 10-3, the Rebels got a solid performance on the mound from Cavin Richmond.

Richmond picked up the win going five innings, allowing only two runs and only walking two.

The offense was provided by a pair of Rebels as Jordan Poirrer had a solo home run and Josh Labiche went 2-3 with a double and a pair of runs driven in.

Donny Terrio was an important part of a four-run forth inning with a sacrifice bunt that moved runners into scoring position to begin the big inning for the Rebels.

Surviving the first round of district play with at least a .500 record, Riverside Head Coach Steve Stropolo said his team is playing well.

“Right now I am happy with the way we played,” Stropolo said. “The last two outings we have really played well. Our pitchers have only walked two batters in the last 12 innings and that is always a good sign.”

Having a problem striking out too much at the plate, Stropolo said his squad is starting to put the ball in play more but it still needs to improve.

“We have struck out a lot, but the good thing is we are starting to get some key hits,” Stropolo said. “Right now for the season we have 112 strikeouts and 112 walks. It’s not bad, but it is not good either.”

A big plus for the Rebels has been the return of Josh Labiche from basketball. One of the best hitters on the team, Labiche is nearly back into baseball shape and is hitting the ball well.

“He’s doing what he is suppose to do,” Stropolo said of Labiche. “He is getting hits and driving in runs. He is getting extra base hits for us and is playing a solid third base.”

Stropolo said his team has to continue playing well in order to reach their ultimate goal.

“We just have to be consistent,” Stropolo said. “We have to play consistent in all of the games that we have left. We cannot get on a up-and-down roller coaster. I think we are on our way to accomplishing that.”