The Mathews High School varsity boys’ baseball team hopes to build off a strong season last year, in which they lost in the regional semifinals, one game away from the state tournament.

The team returns nine from last year’s squad, all upperclassmen, including their three starting pitchers. Due to inclement weather, field time has been limited and they haven’t had much chance to be out there. However, they made a strong showing at Tabb.

The Devils’ Friday afternoon scrimmage was the actual first field time that they had, and under the circumstances performed very well. They lost, 4-3, but played a close game. Willie Fernald started the game off and gave up two runs, then came Brian Owens who held Tabb scoreless, Will Harrington gave up two, and James Cook closed the game off without a run. Hits were scattered, but Reggie Johnson and Fernald led the way. This game was overall very optimistic for the future of the season.

On Tuesday, with Mathews earning a 5-0 ...