LYNN — The Lynn Tech baseball team has plenty to be optimistic about. Last Saturday’s Commonwealth Athletic Conference all-star game, which included two Tigers players, was reminiscent of the team’s success this spring and proves the program’s moving in the right direction after a string of down years.
Junior shortstop/pitcher Jhoan Ortega and senior catcher/outfielder Serey Eang represented the Tigers in Saturday’s game. Ortega pitched two shutout innings and tallied four strikeouts. At the plate, Ortega roped two hits while Eang added one hit.
Junior pitcher/outfielder Kenny Moore was also invited to the game but was unable to attend due to a prior commitment.
Tigers first-year coach Rich Germano coached the all-star game.
“It was nice to coach the game,” Germano said. “It was such a tough loss to Hamilton-Wenham at the end of the season, so I was glad they were able to smile and get to play in an all-star game. They’re kids and they moved on from it. Hopefully they’re able to get back to states again next season.”
Tech finished its season at 9-9 and earned a berth in the Division 4 North state tournament, the baseball program’s first postseason appearance in 11 years. The No. 14 Tigers were bounced after a tough loss to No. 3 Hamilton-Wenham, which eventually won the section.
The Generals will play in the Division 4 state semifinal Wednesday against Archbishop Williams.
“I believe the older kids understand what they accomplished,” Germano said. “We lost a lot of seniors from last year’s team, we only had two seniors this year. I think the kids understand how tough it is to reach the state tournament. We’ve talked to them about that. Hopefully they remember it and they don’t take it for granted.”
Eang was one of two seniors on Tech’s roster this past season.
“Serey’s a great all-around kid,” Germano said. “He’s a quiet leader. He’s fantastic. He’s a player that’ll do whatever you ask of him and play wherever the team needs him. He’s another kid that I enjoy coaching.”
Ortega returns next season along with 12 other teammates.
“Jhoan was the heart of our team,” Germano said. “We have a lot of young players and he’s the heart of our team. With him back next season and good, young players, we’re going to be a tough out. We’re going to be a tough team to beat. We should be in good shape next year.”
With a talented and experienced core of players returning next spring, Germano’s confident that things are on the upswing at Tech.
“We’re on our way up,” Germano said. “I would’ve liked to have a couple more guys on the (all-star) team. There were a few other kids that were deserving as well and I would’ve liked for them to experience it. The positive is that we have a young team. Hopefully they get a chance to experience it next year.”
