The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Lorain keeping postseason hopes alive
After rough start, Titans still have a chance for LEL title
In a season of trials and tribulations, Lorain experienced a little more than they anticipated. But through it all, Lorain is looking for some redemption.
The Titans (7-12) have gotten their share of hard knocks throughout the course of the season. However, they are still in contention for the Lake Erie League championship, trailing league-leader Cleveland Heights by two games. Lorain still has an encounter with the Tigers and will need some help to capture its second straight LEL championship.
Having less than a handful of returning starters, Lorain coach Brad Ternes thought a there would be a period of adjustment. What he wasn’t expecting was an up-and-down season.
“We figured it might take them (younger players) a little bit to get adjusted to the varsity level,” Ternes said. “But the big inning has been hard for us to stop. We make an error or two and then compound it. We needed the guys to put it behind them and not allow it to happen again.”
While the defense has gone through its share of struggles, the pitchers have done a valiant job of keeping the Titans in games.
Offensively, Lorain has used its speed to be aggressive on the bases. As a team, the Titans are 65 of 68 in stolen bases. Michael Clark leads the way with 18 stolen bases. Jeff Santana has 11 stolen bases.
Emphasizing conference games, Lorain used its nonconference schedule to give everyone an opportunity to play and solidify their role on the team. Though some losses occurred, the Titans were starting to figure out where everyone was going to fit in.
“We have had our upsand-downs,” Ternes said. “It seems the team is starting to come together. Players are now accepting their roles on the team.”
With the conference schedule ending and the postseason looming, Lorain has persevered and now is on the brink of putting things together at the right time.
“I think we are a good team, though our record doesn’t show it,” Clark said. “We are always talking and communicating with each other. Once the tournament starts, anything can happen. I’m looking forward to the tournament and to put together a good run.
“Everyone is committed to the team. No one is ready to give up on each other or the season.”
Senior Julian Rodriguez didn’t know what to expect coming into the season. Though it wasn’t the season he was hoping for, he sees how Lorain keeps coming to play regardless of how the season has gone.
“We just keep fighting,”
Rodriguez said. “It’s been a lot tougher to get through some games, but we are keep heads up and still fighting.”
Rodriguez has been coming on of late at the plate. After a tough start, he has been able to get more repetitions at the plate, which in turn has helped him see the ball better.
As Ternes knows anything can happen in the postseason, but what he is hoping for is to close the regular season on a strong note and take it into the postseason.
“I do think we have the ability to win our three remaining conference games,” Ternes said. “We’ve already beaten Warrensville Heights and Maple Heights and took Cleveland Heights into extra innings. I think we are starting to find our rhythm. It would be nice to win three in a row and take some momentum going into the tournament.”
Going through the turbulent season, Rodriguez feels that Lorain is peaking at the right time.
“We just had to figure out our spots,” he said.
“Now we are starting to click and plan on taking it into the tournament.”