After waiting nearly two years, the First Presbyterian Christian Academy baseball team finally got the opportunity to play on their newly constructed diamond facility Tuesday at the St. James Sports Center.
The Highlanders christened the new field with a 4-2 win over David Emmanuel to move to 2-0 on the season.
First-year baseball coach Andy Yanzetich said the support from the Highlander parents and fan base has been phenomenal, and the work that was done to get the field ready in the past few weeks was nothing short of a miracle.
As few as three weeks ago, the field still needed the outfield fence installed and finishing touches done. While a few minor odds and ends remain to be finished, the field was ready Tuesday.
Two FPCA errors helped David Emmanuel take a 2-0 lead in the first inning. However, FPCA left six opposing runners in scoring position while its offense got going.
Deshaun Collins scored the first run in the bottom of the first inning when he scored off a double by Phillip Swindell. Swindell later crossed the plate off a sacrifice fly by James Phillips.
FPCA took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the second inning when Dalton Smiley scored. FPCA scored another run in the third and held the lead for the remainder of the game.
FPCA starting pitcher Morgan Crean went three innings, but reliever Richard Lovelady got the win. Lovelady came in for three innings and struck out seven batters. Swindell struck out the side in the final inning for the save.
“We pitched much better today,” Yanzetich said, noting his team did well against a strong team like David Emmanuel. “We are really working hard to perfection.”
In addition to his RBI double, Swindell drew two walks. Phillips was 1 of 2 with two RBIs. Smiley and Lovelady each went 2 for 3, with Lovelady also getting a RBI.
The Highlanders are scheduled to play at 4 p.m. today at Trinity Christian.