Langston Settles in, Crush Crusaders
Matthew Langston wants a district title.
If he keeps pitching this way, he’ll get it.
“We have a competitive attitude and I love that. Every day we are going in there and wanting to improve and be better. We want to win districts this year so we are doing what we need to do that” Langston said.
The 1-2 punch of Maplewood Richmond Height’s Matthew Langston and Cashen Schranz secured two victories from Saturday’s doubleheader against Lutheran North. Maplewood has won 3 of their first 4, only falling to St. Pius X thus far.
Sophomore pitcher Matthew Langston saw his first start against the Crusaders in the first of two games that ended in an 11-1 dominance. Langston saw couple batters against Affton a few days prior but Lutheran North was his first full test from the rubber. The Blue Devil pitcher had 9 strikeouts against the Crusaders and only gave up 1 run all game, which came in the first frame.
Langston chalks that up to early season kinks.
“I still have some things to work on, my curveball wasn’t doing as great as I wanted it to. Overall I’m working it all out” says Langston.
Garrett Andersen relieved Langston in the 6th and gave up no additional runs.
The batts were active early for the Blue Devils and didn’t cool off. Maplewood jumped out to an early 3 run lead and continued to score in every inning except the 3rd. Langston credits his team’s offense as a key part of his success;
“It gives me a lot of confidence knowing if they’re going to hit it, I have that security. If I make a mistake they back me up”
It’s easy to get lost in the heat of competition and the big lead took the edge off Matthew Langston and helped him remember the reasons why he plays; because its fun.
“You know you have the room where you can kind of breeze and don’t have to be so tense. It doesn’t feel like a game anymore, just like you’re going out and having fun with your friends”
