A stellar performance by the Sidwell Friends pitching staff helped to secure a Quaker victory against another top area team in the Cadets out of St. John’s College High School. Previously unbeaten at a perfect 13-0, the Cadets went down on strikes a dozen times on the afternoon, while balls in-play from Quaker bats proved the difference on offense. Sidwell would go on to take advantage of a handful of defensive miscues from the Cadets, playing on a natural surface away from their home turf.

Pacing the way for Sidwell arms was starter Daniel Piho, who allowed but a single hit through four solid frames, fanning five Cadets along the way. Up next, after the offense would gain the lead with a busy bottom fourth to get Piho into the win column, middle-reliever Tanner Drant held serve by providing a critical inning of work before the Quakers turned to the day’s closer in Cody Encarnacion. The ever-ready Encarnacion, in his first inning of relief, took the ball and promptly struck out the side without a hint of drama. But, after a trio of insurance runs tacked on by the home team Quakers in the sixth, led by a two-out, two-run shot to the gap off the bat by Johnny Klug, the Cadets, with their backs against the wall and now facing a four run deficit, had other plans to make things interesting....

Starting the last inning, Encarnacion cruised through yet another strikeout before issuing a hard-hit liner to the right field. After back-to-back walks and an error, the Cadets moved the tying run to within 90 feet before Encarnacion would slam the door and deny such a comeback, prevailing deep in both counts and striking out the last two batters. The home-team fans exhaled in relief, and red bulbs glowed from the scoreboard as the sun set -- showing Sidwell 8 - St. John’s 7.

The Quakers make a quick turn and hope to keep the energy levels high as they host their second game in as many days tomorrow, this one against the Grasshoppers hailing from MAC-foe Georgetown Day School.