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Danvers pitcher Andrew Olszak had been a big contributor on the Falcons’ run to the EMass Final on Wednesday.
By LILY DOOLIN
The Danvers baseball team battled its way through the Division 2 North tournament, beating powerhouse teams such as Reading, North Andover and Belmont, to claim the title.
Tonight (7), the Falcons will face Dighton-Rehoboth in the state semifinal at Fraser Field.
While Danvers has been strong throughout the tournament, The Falcons are keeping their eyes locked on the future instead of on the past.
The Division 2 final was Danvers’ strongest game of the tournament, a 9-4 victory over Reading, a team that blew past the competition in the earlier rounds.
“It was good for them to realize they’ve beaten an outstanding team,” said coach Roger Day.
While Danvers hopes the momentum will carry over into the game against Dighton-Rehoboth, Day and his players will still be focusing on what they have to do to get the win; they aren’t going to dwell on what has already happened.
“Our kids are concerned with what they do,” said Day.
The Falcons’ offense has been a key factor in their recent success, even if some of their star players have had dormant bats. Though accomplished players such as Andrew Olszak have struggled with the bats, others such as Danny Lynch have been on fire, scoring runs and knocking in runs that have pushed Danvers to victory.
“Even though our best guys aren’t hitting, our other kids are stepping up,” said Day.
Dean Borders will be starting on the mound for Danvers. Borders, the No. 2 pitcher on the staff, is 9-0 to this point.
Danvers has also been keeping a close eye on the competition, scouting out the strengths and weaknesses of Dighton-Rehoboth. Day knows his team is in for another tough game, but is confident in his players’ ability to step up and shine.
“I know we’re in for a battle, but we know what we’re doing,” said Day.
