Trio of Starting Pitchers Has Einstein Baseball Poised for Memorable Season

It's been quite some time since the baseball team from Einstein High School in Montgomery County has had a winning season. The team's head coach, Pat Berbakos, estimates it's been 20 plus years since the Titans finished a season above .500 on the baseball diamond.

That looks like it might change this season. The Titans are 5-0, and won the Down County Spring Break Showdown tournament last week.

"They say if you believe, you can achieve. It's true. The players are confident they can play with anyone," Berbakos said.

The Titans early season success comes down to the team's pitching and defense.

Einstein's trio of starting pitchers have excelled thus far, and look like they'll be able to continue it throughout the regular season.

Sophomore Joe Curtin is looking to build off a successful freshman year campaign, during which he threw a no-hitter. Another sophomore, Colin Brown, has also thrown meaningful innings for Einstein this season and has been up to the task. Junior Aiden Hall rounds out the trio. Hall struck out nine and only gave up one hit in a win against Wheaton already this season.

Behind the pitchers, the team's defense is rock solid. Berbakos says it's time the team doesn't have any glaring holes, as the Titans have capable fielders at every position. Senior shortstop Ian Heffley, who returned to Einstein after spending his junior year at The Avalon School, has given the team a boost with his excellent range. Hall plays second base when he isn't pitching, which gives the Titans a fierce tandem up the middle.

"All three starters, Curtin, Brown and Hall, have excellent command. They throw strikes, challenge the hitters, and let our strong defense make the plays," Berbakos said. "So far this season, the team isn't beating itself. They are making the plays."

Looking ahead, Einstein also looks poised for maintaining its success. The Titans have had consecutive strong freshman classes, which has helped infuse Einstein's roster with talented and experienced players.

The team's play so far has Berbakos setting the goal of finishing the regular season 9-7, and making a run in the postseason. Berbakos admits those goals may seem lofty for a team that hasn't had much success in recent years, but he's confident in the talent Einstein has at its disposal.

If things continue to trend the way they've started to, finishing above .500 might soon no longer be a goal for Einstein's baseball team- it could become an expectation. For now, Berbakos is just enjoying watching his players play the game with confidence.

"I'm excited knowing that for the first time in years, the Einstein baseball team can truly compete with anyone," Berbakos said. "The ball club believes in its ability that they can play with any school in the county, and they're looking forward to the challenge."