Cape hardball ready to rock and play games that count

The Cape baseball team is excited to begin the journey into the season of 2018, and they are not afraid of the high expectations. In fact, they embrace the challenge.

“The players have great chemistry and know how to compete,” said coach Ben Evick after a frigid Friday scrimmage versus the J.M. Bennett Clippers at Chris Short Field.

Cape scored 10 runs in the scrimmage and played great defense while shutting out Bennett with an array of pitchers.

A scout from the San Diego Padres sat behind the chain-link clocking prospects Austin Elliott and Zack Gelof. David Erickson took the day off due to sickness.

“Everyone wants to enjoy the journey game by game of being on a great team,” Evick said. “Obviously, our goal is to win the Henlopen Conference, then get to Frawley Stadium and take a run at the state championship.”

Cape opens the season Friday, March 23, at Sussex Tech. Game time is 4:15 p.m. The Vikings will host Laurel Monday, March 26, and Lake Forest Wednesday, March 28.

Joining Evick in the varsity dugout are assistant coaches Drew Johnson and Dave Vitella.

The JV team, under head coach Jimmy Young and assistant Jeff Jablon, will open the season at home Friday, March 23, hosting Sussex Tech.

Street and Smith’s 2018 baseball magazine has ranked Cape No. 47 in its Top 50 national list.

The Vikings will also wear new uniforms this season. One jersey is a solid color, while the other is a cross between rainbow modern and Houston Astros throwbacks.