Rescheduled from 4/13.

The Skinny: Sidwell played from behind all game against a tough Flint Hill team, and couldn't quite make up the deficit, losing 6-4.

Synopsis: Sidwell got off to an unfortunate start, arriving at Flint Hill 20 minutes or so after the game's scheduled starting time because of some unusually bad traffic. After a shortened and hurried warmup, Sidwell was retired in order in the top of the first and allowed 3 runs in the bottom half of the inning. Sidwell's defense settled down after the first, but it wasn't until the 4th inning that the Quakers managed a run. Down 5-1, Sidwell's offense picked up in the last 3 innings, having better at bats up and down the lineup. Sidwell brought the winning run to the plate with one out in the 7th, but was unable to close the gap, losing 6-4.

Analysis: Against a team like Flint Hill that Sidwell has traditionally had trouble with, it was important for the Quakers to get off to a good start and get a lead early in the game. Unfortunately they weren't able to do so, and although they played relatively well, they were unable to get the win. Offense was at a premium for Sidwell, recording only 4 hits. Senior 1b and leadoff man Nick Roman set the tone offensively, tallying 3 of Sidwell's 4 hits on the game, scoring 2 runs and stealing 2 bases.

There was a sense about the game that Sidwell couldn't catch a break. From the very start, arriving so late, to only getting 4 hits while putting the ball in play as much as they did, only striking out 3 times, to being on the wrong end of a number of close plays, to a game-ending double play with the tying run at the plate, luck was not with Sidwell in this game. Flint Hill, while playing a solid game, did not look unbeatable. Their pitchers were not overpowering, striking out only 3 Sidwell batters, and their defense did not seem unflappable, committing 4 errors.

Pitching was not the issue for Sidwell. Sidwell's 2 errors were costly ones, as 3 of the 6 runs allowed were unearned. The 6 defensive walks were not ideal, but overall the pitching performances of Mark Ossolinski and Chase Plebani were good. Plebani did not allow an earned run, lowering his ERA on the season to a paltry 0.53 with 17 Ks over 13.1 innings.

Looking Ahead: It's tough to point to one area that Sidwell needs to improve to win these types of tough league games. Defensively Sidwell did not play terribly, but the 2 mistakes each lead to runs for Flint Hill. While the Quakers only managed 4 hits, they put the ball in play, and Flint Hill did make 4 errors, a testament to the importance of putting pressure on the defense. If anything, Sidwell took some poor approaches offensively in the early innings, and the lack of offense in those innings definitely hurt them in the end.

Despite the loss the Quakers remain percentage points ahead of Flint Hill, Maret, and Potomac for the conference lead. Potomac's victory over Flint Hill this past Thursday definitely helped the Quakers in the conference standings. In the words of Coach Simon, "now we start round 2" of conference play, and Sidwell still controls its own destiny. Winning one game at a time is of the utmost importance, and Sidwell's next contest comes against GDS at home on 4/20. Sidwell's next shot at Flint Hill will come at home on Cinco de Mayo (5/05).