The new freshman class is small with only five players, but it packs a punch nonetheless. Two pitchers—Gruener and Kevin Rex—in particular have stood out on the mound. Gruener is currently the number two starter for the Crimson, pitching over 24 innings and forcing 18 strikeouts.

“The freshmen are awesome,” Bailey said. “They all have contributed to the team. Kevin Rex has ended up starting a few games for us, which is pretty big for a freshman to do for any program…. The freshmen are definitely role players. They have a significant part in our lineup and on our team.”

Some players have demonstrated consistency and contributed heavily to the team in roles that may not necessarily be in the spotlight.

“Ethan Ferreira, as a catcher, achieves a lot during games,” Bailey said. “But not many people know that because he’s bent down catching the ball the whole game, which is tough—but he never complains. ”

Harvard will have 10 doubleheaders during conference play, and will face off against Columbia—the reigning Ivy League champion—this weekend.

“Of course we want to take on Columbia,” Ferreira said. “They won the Ivy League championship last year, and we played them real close the last two games last year. We play them home this year, so we definitely want to take care of business.”

But the team remains focused and is not overlooking any of its Ancient Eight competition.

“We’ve been following every team in the Ivy League,” Ferreira said. “They’ve all been doing well against talented opponents. The Ivy League season is going to be a grind—it looks pretty stacked, so we’re not underestimating anybody right now.”

—Staff writer Kelley Guinn McArtor can be reached at kelley.mcartor@thecrimson.com