Providence Academy put in the work over the offseason and it paid off Saturday afternoon.
The Knights defeated Clarksville Academy 8-2 in the first round of TSSAA Division II-A state baseball playoffs. This came after the graduation of five key seniors from last year’s team. Instead of an expected rebuilding year, the Knights (24-11) have advanced to the state quarterfinals to face Northpoint Academy, the same team that defeated them in last year’s quarterfinal round.
“This group has come a long way,” Providence Academy coach Jeff Reed said after the home win over the Cougars. “The younger guys have stepped up and the older guys have shown them the way. Hopefully, we’re peaking now. The guys all worked hard through the fall and winter. No one has outworked us, I know that.”
Aidan Sproles, a 6-3 junior right hander, didn’t allow any hits and just two walks in the first three innings on the mound. He also provided a big day at the plate where he went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs. It included a two-run single in the bottom of the third when Providence opened up a 6-0 lead.
“I felt really good the first inning and the same with the second inning where I was pounding the (strike) zone,” he said. “The third inning, I ran into a little trouble and got out of my groove. I came back just trying to persevere trying to give my team a chance. It was a fun day and just glad I helped my team win.”
Several others helped as Nathan Eisfelder was 2-for-2 with three runs scored. Rinaldo Matti went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs. Austin Price was also 2-for-3, while Merritt Runnels finished 2-for-2. Josh Owens showed off his defensive skills at shortstop.
“We have a lot of talent on our team,” Sproles said. “When we play like we’re capable of, we’re really close to being great.”
He gets no argument from the head coach as the team prepares to travel across state for Wednesday’s matchup, which will actually be held across the state line in Mississippi. Reed particularly likes how Drew Niebauer and Eisfelder have consistently produced on the offensive side, and the versatility his team has shown defensively.
“Josh does a great job at shortstop and we play Matti at catcher, third base and shortstop,” Reed said. “Matti can move around all over, while (Tine) Bowman does a great job at catcher, third and first. We have a lot of guys who can play more than one position and this time of year, that is key.”
Stay Engaged
React to this article and join our community of readers sharing their feedback.
