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Addisyn Boatright and Kennedy Cusack
The Eastside baseball team extended a 20-game losing streak Wednesday night when the team Rams lost to Branford 22-5. The game was called by the five-inning run rule.
The young Eastside team struggled defensively throughout the game. Freshman pitcher Henry Kaufman walked several Branford batters, and Buccaneers (18-6) took advantage by scoring 11 runs in the first three innings, primarily through stolen bases and errors on routine plays.
Despite the challenges, Eastside had some promising moments. Kaufman recorded a strikeout in the first inning, his 10th of the season. Sophomore Asa Swenson scored Eastside’s only run in three innings, stealing home after a wild pitch. Branford held a commanding 11-1 lead at the end of the third inning.
Pitcher Henry Kaufman throws a strike on Branford at the top of the first. pic.twitter.com/HYNWoiZWXM
— Abagail Price (@abagail_pr88247) April 9, 2025
Sparks of Momentum
Branford managed to add five more runs in the top of the fourth inning, but Eastside showed signs of life defensively. Rodney McClellon Jr. and Wrex Louidor each made impressive catches in the outfield to end the inning and give the team a bit of momentum.
With a new Branford pitcher on the mound, Eastside was able to get more players on base. After Louidor was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, freshman Homer Murphy scored Eastside’s second run of the game. Kaiden Davis and Camron Woods each added a run before the third out to narrow the gap to 16-4.
However, Eastside allowed six more Branford runs in what would be the last inning of play. James Rozier managed to score once for Eastside in the bottom of the inning, but three strikeouts by the Branford pitcher closed out the game.
Kaiden Davis takes a swing and heads to first. pic.twitter.com/pUCH23T8W3
— Abagail Price (@abagail_pr88247) April 9, 2025
Eastside coach Matthew Brown provided valuable insight into the team’s mindset and resilience. Despite facing a challenging season, Eastside has embraced every loss as an opportunity to grow. The team’s positivity is contagious and the young group shows promise for the future.
“We are improving, and that is really our goal,” Brown said.
Eastside ended the regular season at 0-21 after an 11-3 loss Thursday at Oak Hall. The four seed Rams open the 3A-District 5 tournament at 6 p.m. Tuesday at top seed Santa Fe (10-14).
