Catasauqua’s Connie Mack enters the final phase of its season, and the Rough Riders have playoff aspirations in their minds. The Roughies were 5-6 with six regular-season games remaining around July 4.

“If we are able to grab four of the last six game, I’m optimistic we’d be in a position to make the playoffs,” stressed first-year head coach Kyle Martell. “In my opinion, we have a very good shot vs all of the remaining six teams we play.

The team did just that (see story on page A7).

Despite being 5-6 at the time, the team was already making a move.

“Beginning [that] week, we won two of our last three games. We had a very good game against Silver Creek, then came out very flat against Lehigh Bethlehem. But we turned things around again against Palmer Township.”

Martell has been impressed with the play of Reese Savercool, both on the mound and at the plate. In addition, Asael Gonzalez, Joey Conway, Alex Bolmer, and Chase Jarrah have been consistent.

Aiden Getz is among a rising group of eighth graders, who have made a difference.

“Reese Savercool has been fantastic on the mound and at the plate. He’s very versatile and can play just about anywhere defensively. Asael Gonzalez has caught fire as of late. Joey Conway (.312) and Steel Martell continue to put the bat on the ball, and Alex Bolmer and Chase Jarrah have started to put the bat on the ball as of late too.

“Aiden Getz and some of the eighth graders have chipped in with offensive support and that has led to us hovering around that .500 mark.”

As of early July, Martell believed a major team goal is within reach, and the team will need a steady approach, and they’ve done just that as of late.

“Our goal was a .500 season and we have a shot at surpassing that goal,” beamed Martell. “I’m pleased with where these kids are right now. Consistency is key to finishing the season strong and I think these kids are capable of finishing strong if they continue to support each other.”