Catasauqua head baseball coach Steve Bradley and his team has already been feeling the weight of a long baseball season. Fortunately, or possibly unfortunately, the Roughies had only played two games entering Tuesday's contest against Notre Dame.

No matter how they view the situation, Catty began a series of nine games in as many days a doubleheader after a night game in the mix counting the Notre Dame game. It will be a true test of mettle for the Roughs, who sat atop the abbreviated schedule of the Colonial League North Division with a 2-0 record as of Monday.

"It has been a very strange year," said Bradley. "We already had six postponements, and that makes it hard to get anything really going. But we had a win we probably didn't deserve against Pen Argyl, and we hit the ball well against Northern Lehigh.

"We know we'll have a big challenge ahead in the next few weeks."

With a taxing period ahead, Bradley is confident his pitching staff can endure the stretch. The Roughies three-man staff of Zack Bradley, Tyler Correll and Dakota Schiffer will likely be expanded to include Jake Kober and Mike Shutta. Nate Pontician, a current JV player, could also be pressed into service with the compacted schedule.

"So much will depend on our pitching," said Bradley. "When you look at our division and league overall, you really can't say there is one standout team. Notre Dame probably played the most games, but everyone else is in the same boat.

"It is too early to watch a team step up, but it will happen soon. We believe we can be right there with anyone."

Bradley cited Schiffer - a transfer from Dieruff - as being an instant contributor to the program.

"He (Schiffer) has been a very pleasant surprise," said Bradley. "He just comes in and throws strikes. (Schiffer) can also be effective as a closer for us. When he isn't pitching, he has been valuable in the field for us.

"He has already made a big difference and we know he will continue to help us."

Along with Schiffer, Bradley also has been pleased with the play of center fielder Shutta, who also has been setting the table in the lineup.

"(Shutta) has made very play in the field and he is a great leadoff hitter for us," said Bradley. "He can track down everything in center field. He has looked really good for us in practice and we believe he will do a number of good things for us."

Barring any more postponements, Bradley expects to have a good gauge on his team within the next two weeks.

"We know we will have some more pitchers throwing for us," he said. "It has been a shame that we can get any continuity. Our two wins are looking pretty good right now, and we have to pick up a few more in this stretch.

"It will be a test for these guys, but they are very confident about what they can accomplish."