The Gustavus baseball team has played 11 games so far this season, yet their biggest competitor may very well be the weather.
While this Tuesday may have marked the first day of Spring, the weather did not follow suit.
With snow still on the newly renovated Gustie Baseball Field turf, the team had to cancel its home-opener against Mount Marty last weekend.
As for the action that has taken place on the field, the Gusties boast a 5-6 record on the season.
The team most recently took part in two double-headers on back-to-back days against Luther College.
The Gusties went 1-3 in the four games, winning the first game by a score of 7-5, but dropping the next three.
“Our first game, we had a great battle to come back and win. After that, we struggled a little bit, but never let up. We always wanted to play like we were in the game no matter what the score because we knew we could come back at any time. It only took a couple hits to get something started,” First-year Cole Pengilly said.
“We have a lot of young guys on the team this year, but a few of them have really stepped up for us and are exceeding my expectations.” — John Lundquist
Currently batting .462, Pengilly has been a key player for the Gusties so far this season.
Playing four games within two days against the same team was by no means easy for the team.
“Playing two doubleheaders on back-to-back days is challenging, but when playing against the same team makes it even more difficult. You see the same players each game, and you have to adapt to what they do in the past games. The hardest part of playing four games in a weekend is trying to stay focused. 32 innings of baseball in two days is a lot, so making sure I keep myself and my teammates in the game is a key part of our success.,” Senior John Lundquist said.
Lundquist, who earned the lone win on the mound for the Gusties in their competition against Luther, is enjoying his final year of collegiate baseball here at Gustavus.
“At the beginning of the season, it felt a little different being one of the oldest guys on the team. We have a lot of young guys on the team this year, but a few of them have really stepped up for us and are exceeding my expectations,” Lundquist said.
These younger players have most definitely stepped up, including Pengilly.
“So far I have really enjoyed the transition into college baseball. I enjoy the faster pace of play. It makes you work even harder when you are out on the field because the players we play against are that much better. I just have to make sure I keep making plays in the field to help the pitchers out and hopefully keep hitting well,” Pengilly said.
Looking ahead, the Gusties are definitely excited for warmer weather and playing outdoor baseball.
“We are hoping the weather is nice the next few days so the snow can melt off the field. The team has been out on the field the last couple days shoveling the snow off the field. Baseball in Minnesota can be tough at times,” Lundquist said
Barring any other weather-related setbacks, the Gusties will host Bethany College on their brand new turf this Friday for the team’s home opener.
The Gusties will then begin conference play right here at Gustavus when Macalester comes to town for a double-header on March 31.