“We’ve been in situations where we could have (defeated) them before, but this year we had the opportunity to pull it through,” he said. “We’ve beaten St. Mark’s before, but this year was even better because we went there with a shortage of man power and still pulled it off.”

Smack attributes the fast start to the pitching staff that allowed 17 runs (2.4 runs per game) in the team’s seven outings prior to the 12-0 loss to Seaford.

“They’re very well conditioned and are putting the ball where they want it to be,” Smack said. “Our pitchers have grown into their positions. They have matured and become very conscientious of what they are doing and how they are doing it.”

In addition to their success on the mound, the team’s offense has scored plenty of runs. Prior to the season kick off, Smack said he was concerned with the ability of the offense, but so far, he said, he’s been pleased.

“We used to have a slump every year where someone on the team would struggle and the rest of the team would follow,” Smack said. “So far this year, when someone has started to slump, someone else picks up the weight.”

Every year, Smack said he challenges his team to hit for a .400 batting average. The closer the team is to that number, the happier he is. So far, this year’s team is batting .346 — a number he intends to improve.

The Indians are in the midst of a two-week stretch that will determine their strength. With games against Seaford on Friday and Milford on Tuesday and Sussex Central, Archmere and Laurel upcoming, Smack said the time is now to earn quality wins.

“We want to win three out of the five (games),” he said. “Right now, we are right where we need to be. I just don’t want us to peak too soon.”

If that happens, Smack worries his team won’t be able to compete when the state tournament rolls around in May. He said the team needs to keep building momentum as the season progresses and brace themselves for the state playoffs.

Next up in the team’s tough two-week stretch is Sussex Central, which they will host at 4:15 p.m. Thursday. As an intra-district game, Smack said a natural rivalry has sprouted.

“They just naturally get up for the game, he said. “Both teams do.”

nroth@dmg.gannett.com 302-537-1881, Ext. 206