Losing can come with some punishment because following the Venice High School Gondolier’s victory over Hamilton High, 16-5 last Wednesday, March 13, Hamilton could be seen running sprints.

The small bleachers at Hamilton High were filled with just fewer than 50 students and a few parents, almost all rooting for the home field Yanks. Some parents even donned their green Yankees merch. Venice High supporters watched the game from beyond the fence surrounding the field. While there weren’t many on that side either, Gondolier fans didn’t shy away from letting their presence be known. 

Previous to this game, the Gondoliers had only one other victory thus far, beating North Hollywood High School on February 16. After winning 5-4, they lost the following four games. However, their momentum increased during Wednesday’s game when they hit several home runs.

The game started as entertaining as it could get. After the Hamilton Yankees made several putouts, the Gondoliers’ Jaxson Ehlers hit a dramatic home run. He then ran into the arms of his team as the mob celebrated at home plate. Unfortunately, the Yankees were unable to score any runs during the first inning, leaving Venice on top 3-0. 

During the second inning, a couple of other Gondolier players including junior Canon King hit a home run, bringing the score to 5-0. However, things quickly made a turn for the Yankees during the end of the second inning. Gondoliers Charlie Nisbit lost his balance after catching a batted ball on the outfield, causing it to fall out of his glove. This allowed Yankee players Francisco Martinez, Michael Miranda, and Ethan Ceppi to score, making it 5-3. Soon after, the Yankees scored a couple more runs to even the score at 5-5. However, it was the last time they crossed home plate. 

The Gondoliers continued to score throughout. Players that stood out include Ivan Carrera and Justin Fox. At one point, Fox hit the ball onto the stands and almost hit another student. 

Despite their efforts, the Yankees seemed to miss every incoming pitch. However, the students and parents watching continued to show their support by chanting out the team name. A parent was even heard telling their child to, “Take a deep breath.” 

The Gondoliers head coach, Kevin Brockway, was happy the team won, but expected better play.  “We need to play better defense,” he said. “It’s nice to get the W, but we didn’t play our best game.”

The Gondoliers play the Palisades Dolphins on March 20 at 3:00 p.m.

Photo by the author.