Indian River head baseball coach Howard Smack wants to take his season a game at a time, and if his squad comes out in every game like they did against Smyrna this past Tuesday, the season should shape up just fine. Even without keynote pitcher Cory Showalter, the Indians overcame the Eagles in the opening game of the season, finishing the game in early innings, 13-0.

The Indians demonstrated composure and consistency as junior Jake Buchler started a rally of runs when a shot to center field brought Luis Barrientos home for the first score of the game early in the third.

IR made a full rotation through their lineup in the third as Justin Arlett knocked in an RBI and freshman starting pitcher Jamie Jarmon and Barrientos each brought in two more apiece. Before the fourth inning was over, senior second baseman Cameron Travalini reached the right field fence for a triple that brought in two more. Outfielders Tyree Oliver and Matt McDowell rallied in runs, while Barrientos and catcher Bo Wilkinson rounded the bases at the expense of Smyrna errors.

Barrientos took to the mound in the top of the fifth and sat down the first three batters with strikeouts to vanquish any chance the Eagles had at a comeback.

“It’s a great way to start the season,” said Smack. “We started the game a little rocky, but as game went along, we came together. The first score by Jake was contagious. That set the pace and got everything going for us.”

Not only was the team able to bring an explosive offense, but the defensive side of the game was equally impressive, as Jarmon – making his high school debut on the mound – refused to let up a run in his four inning of the game, and handing out K’s in his first Indian River inning.

“Jamie’s definitely a gamer,” said Smack. “He brings the intensity we need. He kept his composure, and that was him wanting to be successful. Even with Cory out sick, our guys hung in there and battled.”

Smack described having Barrientos at the helm when they needed him as nothing short of a blessing.

“I’ve been trying to figure out what we’re doing with him, whether we should start with him or use his power to close. I like him when he closes. He brings it and gets the job done. We may switch it around, but having the skill throughout is a nice luxury.”

Even off the mound, the Indians were fielding the ball well. With runners on third and first in the fourth inning and only one out, Smyrna looked to impede on the Indians’ 6-0 lead, but quick thinking denied them a shot at scoring.

“Jake Buchler made a great play,” said Smack. “I didn’t even think he was going there, but he gunned down their runner at home and held them. He did what we needed him to do to keep their runs down.”

With the conclusion of the season-opener, Smack turned the team’s eyes to Thursday’s competition, Cape Henlopen.

“We’re going one game at a time and looking to build on what we accomplish each time. It’s a work in progress, but our guys will be OK because they believe in themselves and in our program. We just need to keep working hard, and good things will come.”

The Indians will face Caesar Rodney next Tuesday, March 31, then play host to St. Marks and Delmar on Thursday, April 2, and Friday, April 3, respectively. All games begin at 4:15 p.m.