Darien Baseball Chokes; Out of FCIAC Contention

By Ahmed Mustafa

                  After a big win against Stamford on Monday, it was due or die for Darien on Wednesday. In order to make FCIACs for the first time since 2009, Darien would have to beat Wilton, and Staples would have to lose in order for Darien to make the playoffs. On the mound was junior Andrew Nault. Nault has been Darien’s most consistent starter this year. In his last start, Nault for the first time this year got roughed up against Norwalk.           

Nault was good in his first few innings. The 3^rd inning, Wilton’s offense came alive and scored 2 runs due to an error by junior Cam Smith. In the top of the 4^th, Smith made another error that cost another few runs giving Wilton a 3-0 lead. Nault could not finish the inning, leaving the game after 4 2/3 innings with runners on 2^nd and 3^rd. Senior Matty Mo (Matt Morr) came in and usually does his job, but failed today, allowing Naults runners to score, and then allowed another run  in 2 ½ innings. The Darien offense was quiet throughout out the game, only having 1 runner in scoring position. DHS lost 8-0, and  now is out of the FCIAC contention. Nault didn’t want to talk, but Matty Mo came and spoke about the game.

            “It’s disappointing, same record, the winner has the chance of the FCIAC, the loser doesn’t so it’s tough," Morr said.

             Coach Scott would not comment on Nault, but spoke about how this game shouldn’t affect the team. “We have no time to sit on this one. We play a tough team in Ludlowe (Fairfield Ludlowe) and we still have a chance from getting a winning record and putting us in a better position for States," Scott said.

          Junior Cam Smith was very disappointed with some of the errors he made. “Those plays were my bad, those should be caught, I don’t know they just weren’t in my glove," Smith said

          Today was most likely Darien’s final time playing at home for the season. Captain Andrew Maley spoke about his time here.“It’s been awesome, I’ve enjoyed every minute here, I love this field, we always use it for our advantage, and I’m going to miss it," Maley said. 

            Although DHS failed to make FCIACs, they are still in states. Darien High School has a very good future in baseball. This year, only 3 seniors started, and with some rookies having a year of experience in varsity, not only an FCIAC appearance is expected, but to win the championship in years to come.