The boys’ varsity baseball team, the Hitmen, beat the High School of Graphic Communication Arts by a score of 2-1 in their season opening game on April 1. Sophomore Nicholas Gallo pitched for the entire game, which took place at Graphics High School. Gallo allowed only one earned run while striking out six batters.

Two days later, the Hitmen beat the High School of Graphic Communication Arts again—this time by a score of 11-4. The game was the first of two to take place at Pier 40, which was acquired by Stuyvesant earlier this season as their home field. Since Pier 40 is only a 10 minute walk from Stuyvesant, more fans than usual showed up to cheer on the Hitmen.

“It is always nice when the people from the school come out and watch the game. It’s a plus. It gives everyone a lift. Usually, we go to Central Park or we’re up at Inwood and we really get nobody,” coach John Carlesi said.

Unlike their first game, in which they banked on their pitching skills to win, the Hitmen relied on their hitting in the second game. “Last game we were swinging the bats, but we weren’t making solid contact. But today, everyone came out and everyone was well rested and everyone could see the ball well today,” senior Scott Ritter said. After the High School of Graphic Communication Arts scored two runs in the first inning, the Hitmen answered by scoring five runs in the second. From there, the Hitmen never looked back, maintaining the lead for the rest of the game.

Stuyvesant’s pitching was strong as well. After giving up two earned runs in the first inning, junior and pitcher Nolan Becker refused to give up any more. “I struggled early in the game but then I relaxed and it got a lot easier,” Becker said. He finished the game with two earned runs and eight strikeouts in six innings.

Despite their 2-0 start to the season, the Hitmen were not yet satisfied with their performance. “You can’t tell too much from 2-0. [Graphic Arts] was not one of the better teams. We have to put this all together every game,” senior and co-captain Mark Chiusano said.

Stuyvesant went on to win four of their next five league games. Their record now stands at 6-1.

Last season, the Hitmen started the season with a 4-0 record, but then lost their next three games. This season, with a new home field, the Hitmen are trying to avoid the downslide of last season. “We’re hoping to win the division and go deeper into the playoffs,” Chiusano said.