One win isn’t usually a motivator for any baseball team, but it can be monumental for Catasauqua.

The Rough Riders (2-15) snapped their 12 game losing streak by routing Moravian Academy, 12-2, recently. It marked their first win in nearly a year when they defeated Notre Dame of East Stroudsburg, 15-0, on May 2, 2024.

Sophomore starter Alex Bolmer twirled a three-hitter, struck out six, and walked two in a five-inning shortened game. Bolmer (1-5, 5.01 ERA, 31 strikeouts in 29.1 innings) has continued to develop as the Roughies’ frontline starter.

“Alex has thrown well all year,” said head coach Steve Bradley. “He works hard and he has been getting better. We know he can continue to develop into one of the league’s top pitchers.

“It wasn’t a huge achievement, but it was a nice win.”

Bolmer has appreciated all the moments.

“It felt great to be able to get our first win while I was pitching,” said Bolmer. “I believe I threw well in the game and kept my walks down. Being able to secure the win to get the job done was the best part.”

Junior shortstop Reece Lopez, who was hitting .258 with a 3.94 ERA to begin the week, saw the Moravian victory as a possible season changer.

“It was a great win for us, and gave us the confidence we needed,” beamed Lopez. “I believe we can see things start to turn and play baseball the right way. We’ve made a lot of mental mistakes in the past, and I think we are starting to fix those.

Lopez also likes the direction of his game.

“I’m think I’ve been playing decently,” he said. “I’m hitting the ball right at people. My fielding and pitching have been good, even though I haven’t pitched much.”

After Moravian, the Roughies suffered a 6-0 loss to Palisades in the first game of a doubleheader, but they allowed an 8-5 lead slip away in the second game that was suspended due to darkness with Palisades ahead, 9-8.

It was another example on how fate has worked against them all season. Bradley credited Reese Savercool and Joey Conway for their pitching performances in the doubleheader. Lynkan Moore hit a bases-loaded double in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at five.

“All we needed was three outs, and the umps would have called the game due to darkness,” said Bradley. “We gave up four runs with one out, and now we have to finish the game.

“It has been that kind of year. But the kids are playing better, and the attitude is good.”