Orchard Lake

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

St. Mary’s baseball travels to Dearborn Divine Child, 11 a.m., April 25

ORCHARD LAKE — For a young, struggling team, sometimes the best medicine available is the challenge of playing a significant favorite.

That’s exactly what the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s baseball team will do when it travels to Dearborn for a doubleheader with Divine Child, the defending Catholic League and Division 2 state champs, April 25.

“That’s a great rivalry we’ve put together over the years,” St. Mary’s coach Nick Di Ponio said. “It’s always good to play against DC. I know our guys are looking forward to it.”

The Eaglets are also looking forward to getting back on track.

A team loaded with youth, it was off to just a 2-5 start at press time, including an 0-4 mark in the Catholic League.

“Right now, we’re still struggling in some areas that I know we need time to correct,” Di Ponio said. “Our pitching is still coming along, and at the same time, we have a lot of younger guys playing some pretty important positions.”

So just how good could a positive afternoon be against a team like DC?

“To play well and come out of there with a win would do wonders for our guys right now,” Di Ponio said. “We’re playing in one of the best leagues in the state, and I don’t know if it’s ever been as strong as it is this year. To play well and get our confidence going, that’d be huge for our guys.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038.