It’s the best start that Freedom’s baseball program has witnessed in the 10 years since Nick D’Amico has been head coach.

The Patriots entered this week with an East Penn Conference best 12-1 record, as they sit atop first place in the Steel Division.

Despite their stellar mark and lead within the division, Tuesday’s contest against Liberty will be another huge test for the Pates mettle this season.

With Freedom 9-1 in EPC play, they still have to hold off Easton (10-2, 8-2) and Liberty (8-4, 7-3) in a tight Steel Division race, as they take on both schools this week, including Thursday’s home game against the Rovers.

“Liberty is a quality team and anytime you play them you know you’re in for a tough game,” said D’Amico. “We’ve been up and down in our games lately, so I’d like to see us play a little more consistent going forward.”

Freedom has won eight straight games since a 1-0 loss to Parkland on April 5. They came back from a 5-0 deficit to top Allen in last Friday’s 8-5 victory, which saw D.J. Bast knock in three runs, along with a pair of RBI from Mario McIntyre and Alex Thomas.

The Pates also took down Bethlehem Catholic 9-0 and squeaked by Dieruff 6-5 last week.

“We’ve shown that we can win games a couple of ways,” said D’Amico. “I think the best thing about this team is the leadership we have from the guys. The Kids know their role and have gotten better because of it. It shows that guys have bought into the system.”

And that system has given Freedom one of their most memorable starts in baseball history.

Whether that continues to hold true to form through the final seven games of the season is what everyone will be watching for. Outside of games against Liberty and Easton this week, the Pates also have a makeup game at Pleasant Valley (6-6) this week.

“This is definitely a tough week for us,” D’Amico said. “It’ll be another chance to prove where we are as a team right now.”