By Andy Kanengiser
Nearing the home stretch of the 2021 season, Coach Garrett LaRosa’s Long Beach High School baseball team is loaded with young talent.
As the Bearcats head into the latter part of their spring schedule, Adam Krol and Brent Garner are listed as the two seniors on the Bearcats baseball roster.
Wearing No. 18, Krol is a pitcher and first baseman. Number 4, Garner is a versatile shortstop and pitcher.
On the highlight reel this season, the Bearcats defeated Hancock 8-4 on home turf on March 5. Other memorable moments: Bearcat Ashton Schepens hit a walk off single against Gulf Coast rival Pass Christian to knock in two runs in a thrilling 5-4 road win on February 26. A sophomore who wears No. 12, Schepens plays outfield and pitches.
Making a short trip along U.S. 90, Long Beach belted Pass Christian by a score of 15-2 on February 23. Both were non-district games. A heartbreaking 12-11 loss at home against non-conference foe Stone County of Wiggins followed on March 6.
Bearcats fans should easily recognize No. 5 Charlie Starita. He’s a utility infielder and pitcher for the Long Beach baseball team. Starita is a junior, so the starting signal caller will again suit up for the football team as a senior next year.
Long Beach High fans will have more opportunities to cheer on the Maroon & White during upcoming home games in late March and April.
On Saturday, March 20, the Bearcats host Gulfport on the campus at 300 East Old Pass Road. The JV game starts at 11 a.m., with the varsity contest at 1 p.m.
Saturday March 27, Long Beach will be at home to face St. Martin High of Ocean Springs. The JV game is at 11 a.m., and the varsity plays at 1 p.m.
There’s more to come in April. On Saturday, April 3, Long Beach tangles with Vancleave on the road in Jackson County. The Bearcats return home to host the Hattiesburg Tigers on Tuesday, April 6. The JV game begins at 5 p.m., and the varsity is set for 7 p.m.
On Friday, April 16, the Bearcats are home to face Picayune with the JV game at 5 p.m., and the varsity at 7 p.m. Pascagoula will be in the Friendly City on April 17 to battle Long Beach. JV plays at 11 a.m., and the varsity at 1 p.m. The Hattiesburg Tigers travel on U.S. 49 to Bearcats Country on Tuesday, April 20. JV boys play at 5 p.m,. and varsity squads meet at 7 p.m.
A final home game of the 2021 season sees Long Beach and Biloxi High play ball on Monday, April 26. Game times are 5 p.m. for the JV squad and 7 p.m. for the varsity.
The first round of the MHSAA high school playoffs is set for April 29 through May 1. Following round three, the South State games run from May 20 through 22. The MHSAA baseball championships will be May 25 through 29.
