First-year Catasauqua Connie Mack head coach Kyle Martell has seen some growth in the early going of the season, but he also realizes it is a long season ahead.

“So far I like what I see, we are staying competitive,” emphasized Martell. “The goal is to cut down on some errors (we had three vs Forks) and string together some hits. We’ll be in much better shape to put us in a position to come away with some more wins.”

Entering this week, the Rough Riders had a 3-5 record. They opened the season with a 3-2 victory over Coplay, but they then dropped games against Northern Lehigh (7-2) and Forks Township (6-3).

“We dug ourselves a hole in the first against Northern Lehigh, giving up five runs,” said Martell. “The kids did not give up and came up short, 6-3.

“But our bats came alive a bit against Forks Township, and we ended with six hits. Steel Martell was 2 for 4. Asael Gonzalez, Trevor Hartzell, Ayden Getz, and Alex Bolmer had one hit each.”

The team dropped games to Southern Lehigh - Reece Savercool - had the team’s lone hit, and Northampton. Gonzalez was 2 for 4 with three RBIs and Martell added two hits as well.

Catty then knocked off Wilson 7-2 and South Parkland 8-5 before falling to Hellertown 8-1.

Against Wilson, Martell had three hits and three RBIs with Gonzalez and Savercool each adding two hits. Bolmer had two RBIs. Hartzell pitched 6.1 innings to get the win allowing two runs and fanning five.

Against South Parkland, Joey Conway and Rowan Metzger had two hits with Hartzell and Chase Jarrah each driving in two. Savercool got the win going 6 innings and allowing two earned runs while walking just one and fanning three.

Martell also has been impressed with his younger players.

“Younger kids are playing well defensively and starting to adjust to seeing the pitching,” added Martell. “Unfortunately we lost a couple of players due to injury, but we were able to pick up sophomore Reese Savercool, who will add experience.”

The team was to take on Emmaus Monday and then be home Wednesday and Friday against Freemansburg and Silver Creek.