Annandale varsity baseball was scheduled to play against Riverbend High School on March 6, 2018, as their first preseason game.
However, the game was canceled and Annandale’s improving team has still not been able to play.

“We were feeling good about the game against Riverbend as we have been making wise plays and decisions in practice,” junior Sam Abourakty said. “So, I feel like we would have done well and won the game if it were not canceled.”

Before the Atoms play in the Atomic Icebreaker tournament against Fairfax and Briar woods, they still have some adjustments that need to be made to the lineup.

“Before our season, we need to ensure that we are strong up the middle in our outfield,” Coach Christopher Bagot said. “We also have to determine who will play second base, shortstop and the roles of each of our pitchers on the team.”

On March 9, the Atoms played in their final preseason game against Falls Church. AHS won the game with a score of 19-13. The Atoms took control of the game from the first inning.

“We played as a team and we communicated off and on the field,” junior Joseph Courtney said.

The Atomic Icebreaker tournament will kick off with a game against Briar Woods High School on Monday, March 12th and will conclude with a game against Fairfax on Wednesday, March 14th.

“Any questions that we still have as a team will be answered during our game tonight at Falls Church and remaining questions or improvements for the team will be addressed at Saturday’s practice,” Bagot said.

At this point, despite not having played a game yet, both Bagot and Abourakty have expressed their optimism for the season.

“I am excited for the season to start. We are a young team and I look forward to watching the development of our younger players,” Bagot said. “I also am excited to put last year behind us and try to make some noise in our district. We will have two seniors that will lead the team in. They are Ryan Gammon and Travis Beacom.”

Annandale baseball has an ultimate goal of reaching the regional tournament and to finish in the top three in the district.