Betsy Kruse

Senior Michael Hennessey waits for the pitch from the West Springfield pitcher.

Despite a positive start to the baseball game, with the Atoms leading the game after 2-1, the game proceeded to end after the fifth inning when the slaughter rule came into effect.

The Atoms lost to West Springfield HS during this week’s Game of the Week, with a score of 3-17 and contribute their loss to their ineffective defense.

“We played really bad defensively,” senior Michael Hennessey said. “It was rough.”

Hennessey was the starting pitcher for the Atoms last night, and despite accurate pitching, with no walks, the Atoms’ field players were unable to stop the strong Spartan batters.

“We didn’t make enough plays on the field and we weren’t focused,” junior Noah Wolfenstein said. “We need to make sure we don’t get down on ourselves and make the next play instead of focusing on the previous one.”

The first inning ended with a 2-1 score in favor of the Atoms. However, the Atoms were only able to score one more run in the fourth inning, while the Spartans scored four in the second inning and six in both the third and fifth innings.

“We need to improve upon our hitting and defensive play,” Hennessey said. “Really, every aspect needs work.”

Nolan Gilbert, who plays shortstop, is already focused on the next game, but understands that there are things to learn for this game.

“My goal for next game is to help my team through better hitting and defensive play,” Gilbert said. “I want to cut down on the amount of errors and overthrown balls that the team had.”

The Atoms will face Patriot High tonight at Woodbridge HS at 7 pm in the Let’s Play Two tournament.