By: Joe Cicchino - Sports Information Assistant

FORT WASHINGTON -- For the second time this season, Germantown Academy squared off against Episcopal Academy on the diamond for an Inter-Ac League battle. Unlike the first meeting with the Churchmen -- a 3-2 GA loss -- the Patriots made quick work of their opponent, scoring three runs in the second inning before adding one in the sixth to win, 4-0.

The result moves GA to 8-9 overall and 4-4 in the league. According to Head Coach Tim Ginter, the team has now matched their combined win total in league play over the last two season. 

"We're close, really close, to where we want to be," Head Coach Tim Ginter said. "There's still a lot of fight left in these guys, theres still a lot of pride to finish the season strong. The last three years have not been easy, but in a very small way, this makes it all a little bit sweeter."

Ginter said that the team made a few early mistake during the last meeting and that Episcopal capitalized on them. This time around, the Patriots were almost mistake free.

Wes Champlin '19 pitched two solid innings for the Patriots, allowing no runs and just one hit. In the bottom of the second, GA made its move as Jack Popolizio '19, Milo DeBartlo '21 and Grant Giampalmi '19 all crossed home for the Patriots. 

With Episcopal up to bat in the third, Colten Smith '19 came into the game looking to secure the win. He responded with eight strikeouts and no earned runs. The Churchmen never had more than one runner on base at the same time.

"It was a great game," Smith said. "Starting off with Wes in the beginning then I was able to come in and just throw strikes. The team was really good behind us. The four runs were big for us today."

In the bottom of the fourth the Patriots had an opportunity to extend their lead; bases were loaded and there were two outs on the board. However, Episcopal was able to get out of the inning unscathed. 

"Teams like Episcopal, you have to beat them," Ginter said. "They're not going to beat themselves and no one is scared of us yet. We've got to make sure we do what we do to be successful and we did that today."

Giampalmi scored again in the bottom of the sixth, adding to the Germantown Academy lead. In the top of the last inning, Smith was still firing on all cylinders, striking out three of the four final batters he faced.

"I felt good coming in," Smith said. "I knew I just had to throw strikes and work with every pitch I had. I knew if I kept them off balance it was going to be a quick game."

The Patriots have three more games this week, all coming in consecutive days. On May 9 they host non-league opponent Peddie School before hosting The Haverford School on May 10. GA then travels to Conestoga Senior High School on May 11.

As the season winds down, the possibility that Germantown Academy ends with a winning record is very real. Smith said that he thinks the team is ready for the upcoming stretch of games and that he feels good about their chances.

"It's different, a lot different," Smith said. "Going out, we maybe get one or two [league] wins a year. We're 4-4 now and with a few more runs we're winning the Inter-Ac. It's a different feeling and I'm happy. I'm happy to be here still."