Boston Latin School’s varsity baseball team kicked off their 2023 season strong with a winning record of 4-3, as well as a dominant opening game against the Boston Latin Academy Dragons.

Senior Captain Douglas George (I) started off the season with 14 strikeouts on 110 pitches and a no-hitter, the first of his career. George, who also plays for BLS’s football and basketball teams, was placed on an 85-pitch limit before Wednesday’s game. With George’s stellar performance leading up to his 85th pitch, Head Coach Brian Mylett decided to keep George in the game, securing an immense achievement for the star captain.

With George’s dominance on the mound, the Wolfpack was able to control the pace of the game, taking a 3-0 win with Kyle Murray (I) and Gavin Wainwright (IV) driving in the runs. BLS’s opening game success is illustrative of the team’s season thus far, complete with dominant wins and close losses.

“The season is going pretty good, we’re off to a 4-3 start through the first seven games. We’ve won the last two and hope to keep going on a winning streak,” states Ben Young (I) in reviewing his team’s holistic performance.

A win streak would be monumental for the Wolfpack, as getting to ten wins would secure them a spot in the playoffs. The team undoubtedly has one of the more challenging lineups this year, but they believe they can surpass the odds and achieve their collective goals by supporting one another.

Mylett echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing teamwork to push the players closer to their playoff goals. “We have a great group of seniors and two great leaders in [George] and John Flynn (II) who set a tone of trying to get better each day,” Mylett expresses. At every practice, the two captains push themselves and the team to do their best and give their all.

With how much goes into preparing for games, between the vigorous practices and studying of film, the team’s success comes to nobody’s surprise.

A typical practice lasts around two hours, with players going through infield and base running. This is usually followed by hitting, either on machines or batting practice with coaches. Practices always include game simulations to train players for specific scenarios during live games.

“We try to incorporate competition as much as possible and make practices game-like. Guys know if they show their ability in practice they will get a chance in games,” Mylett describes.

Members of the coaching staff work just as hard as players, identifying areas of improvement for the team, which are then emphasized in practice. These practices hammer out the little, costly mistakes the team strives to avoid in their overarching goal of making a playoff run.

“In practice, we typically focus on improving on small details and getting better as a whole,” George resonates.

Mylett has high praise for his team and their performance throughout the season but knows that the job is not yet finished. “We are pitching and defending well, which is what we expected returning [George] and [Murray] on the mound,” Mylett explains. George and Murray, both seniors, are an integral part of the team’s leadership and prowess.

The coach also cites the inconsistencies at the plate and on the bases from his team; these mistakes would need to be ironed out if the team wants to reach their goals, but Mylett believes that with “the effort [he’s] seeing in practice, [the team] will get there.”

The boys’ next opportunity to showcase their skills and improvements is on April 24 in their game against Westford Academy. We wish the best of luck to the team in their final push for the playoffs!