The varsity baseball hosts the first round of the state playoffs today at home. Entering as a two-seed with a 19-8, they’ll play a doubleheader against Eastside beginning at 1:00 pm, with a third game tomorrow if necessary. St. Pius X baseball team is nearing playoffs with a record of 21-8. They had their last regular-season game scheduled last Saturday against Westminster. Now, they are going into the playoffs. 

“The team has looked solid most of the season, with a few hiccups along the way,” assistant coach Trey Broussard said. “We play a tough non-region schedule to help prepare us for the playoffs, so most of our losses have come from top 10 teams throughout the state.”

Senior Evan Sitzmann noticed a difference in the team’s mindset as the regular season came to an end. 

“I’m definitely seeing how our team is becoming more focused and serious with playoffs almost here,” he said. 

Junior Matt Navarro agreed.

“We are all excited to make a run to the state championship,” he said. “We all know we could make it there if we play our best.”

Despite the increased pressure, practice routines have remained the same.

“I don’t think they have changed at all. Everyone on the team knows what we need to do to be successful through the playoffs and that all goes to the coaching that we have,” senior Agyei Quinichett said. 

Coach Broussard added, “We like to keep things consistent, but we’ll have some loose practices from time to time just to keep things less stressful. The coaching staff is incredibly competitive too, so practices can get pretty intense.”

The team is hoping to advance deeper into the playoffs than they have in recent seasons.

“The past couple of years in the playoffs were tough for the program, so our team really notices the opportunity we have this year,” Sitzmann said.

Nevertheless, the boys believe they have what it takes to do well this year.

“We definitely have a chance to go all the way. Coach Tippet has done a great job with all the hitters and with the bullpen that Coach Ksionzyk has put together this year, it is looking pretty good for us,” Quinichett said. “We all [need to perform to the best of] our best abilities and leave it all on the field.”