By Michael Letendre 

BRISTOL – The series city baseball battle between Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern couldn’t have come at a better time as each of the public-school programs will be looking to get to the midway point of the season with a fourth victory.

This has the makings of one heck of a showdown as both the Rams and Lancers have been playing a bit better despite the sub-.500 records each squad carries.

The contest takes place from Muzzy Field on Monday with a start time of 6:30 p.m. – weather permitting.

Eastern (3-7), after getting blown out against Northwest Catholic 14-2 back on Friday, April 22, had a real chance to run the table to the Central game.

Since that first showdown against the Lions, the Lancers went 1-3 but only lost those three games by a combined seven runs.

Eastern is right there as one bad inning against both Lewis Mills (7-5) and Platt (8-5) foiled the squad.

But Eastern spun Maloney by a 5-2 push this past Wednesday, proving Eastern is more than capable in winning the big game.

Two days later, the Lancers were trailing 5-0 in a rematch against Northwest but trimmed the deficit to 5-3 and was one fair ball away from taking the game.

That’s a credit to the Eastern program who will be looking for its biggest victory of the season against Central.

And on the hill, it could be Jayden Churchill that the Rams must tangle with.

Churchill helped that Eastern turnaround with a little veteran leadership as well as his pitching prowess.

“He’s one of the best leaders that I’ve had in any sport,” said Eastern coach Steve Gaudet of Churchill. “He brought the team in the other day, had a little get together, team meeting in the locker room. He just does things that right way.” 

Against Maloney, Churchill racked up 11 strikeouts, smacked out two hits, and scored two runs over the winning endeavor.

But it’s not just a one-man show over at Eastern.

Ryan Maglio is responsible for the Lancers’ other two wins this season and makes things happen on the hill and at the top the batting order.

Rio Fernandez has a stick and is an ever-improving catcher while Elliot Norris also makes up part of the solid first four in the batting order.

Ben D’Amato (it’s still strange to see a D’Amato not playing in the infield at Eastern) is the complete package.

He’s showing tremendous ability in left field and has been one of the program’s leading hitters.

The game is about poise, staying consistent, and ability – something D’Amato displays every game.   

“He is a baseball player and it is just a pleasure to watch him swing the bat and do the things correctly,” said Gaudet of D’Amato. “He’s what Bristol Eastern baseball is all about.” 

And after that meeting with Churchill in the locker room, even Gaudet added a little input. 

Gaudet isn’t a big talker in things like that but all that extra focus has produced positive results. 

The season is a marathon, not a sprint, and Gaudet likes the troops he’s running with.

That grouping also includes Owens Myers, Mike Roalf, Cyr, Conor McCormick, Ian Latko, and Caleb Molinsky.

“These guys are just a pleasure to coach,” said Gaudet. “They compete, they give me everything that I can ask. We’re going to scrap and we’re going to keep fighting until the end.” 

That’s exactly what Gaudet and Bristol Eastern plans to do against Bristol Central come Monday night.

Bristol Eastern Baseball – 2022

Head Coach: Steve Gaudet (2nd season)

Current Record: 3-6 overall

Streak: Lost 1; Eastern fell against Northwest Catholic, 5-3 last Friday.

Results to Date:

*Lost to Berlin, 5-0 (April 11)

*Won at Tolland, 14-4 (April 13)

*Fell at Plainville, 9-6 (April 15)

*Nabbed big win at New Britain, 6-2 (April 20)

*Dropped 14-2 decision at Northwest Catholic (April 22)

*Lost at Lewis Mills, 7-5 (April 23)

*Fell at Platt, 8-5 (April 25)

*Defeated Maloney, 5-2 (April 27)

*Lost to NWC, 5-3 (April 29)