No quit in struggling Mules

Despite getting off to a difficult start, optimism is aplenty on the Malverne baseball diamond. The Mules are a senior-laden team with tremendous heart. Tim Young, in his second year as coach, likes the grit and never-say-die approach his team brings to the field each day.

“We’ve made too many mental mistakes, and haven’t been able to put teams away, especially after getting two outs,” said Young, who is assisted by Ken Susi. “But we’re fighters. We never stop battling. Each time we’ve played has made mention of how hard we work. They know we’re never going to back down.”

The return of catcher Brandon Michaels, who spent his junior year in Texas, is a big plus for the Mules. Michaels, one the team’s tri-captains, got off to a slow start at the plate but has been hot as of late, going 5-for-9 during a recent three-game series with Oyster Bay.

Three-year starter Frankie Puma has been strong at shortstop. The senior captain does what it takes to get on, and then wreaks havoc on the base paths. Puma is also part of the starting pitching rotation. Senior Sean Bove, a captain, had moved from second to first base. Bove is a solid bunter and has terrific baseball IQ.

Sophomore Scott Savino, who hit .394 as a freshman, has been outstanding. Savino, the only returning All-League honoree, bats third and plays a solid center field. After throwing out three runners out at the plate early on in the season, opponents aren’t running on Savino’s arm. A strong series against Oyster Bay has Savino hitting at a .375 clip. Young calls senior leadoff man Ryan Gillespie the best left fielder he has seen in his eight years coaching at Malverne.

On the mound, senior Max Henry is the team’s ace. Henry is a hard worker who keeps hitters off balance and doesn’t walk many. Junior Tim Ohl is a finesse pitcher who’s effective when he’s hitting his spots. Senior Travis McKeever is a crafty lefty who is called upon to relieve in any situation.

The Mules will host Conference B-C opponent Cold Spring Harbor on Tuesday, April 27 at 4:30 p.m.