In every varsity sport, each team’s purpose for the whole season is one thing: to make playoffs. Rocklin varsity baseball is in a heated race to achieve this goal, and the next two weeks are vital.

From Rocklin’s league, the SFL, the top 4 teams out of 7 advance to playoffs. The Thunder led the league for a long time, but despite this, were locked in a three way tie for second place as of May 1.

“This week is a big week because we play Del Oro and they’re tied with us. Next week we play Woodcreek and they’re in first. Our season has been good so far, and we just need to finish strong,”  says Nik McClaughry, the shortstop and leadoff hitter for the Thunder.

Nik explained this prior to the Thunder’s game on May 2, where they lost to Del Oro 3-0. This loss meant the Golden Eagles were no longer tied with Rocklin, and Del Oro went ahead in the standings. The other team priorly tied with Rocklin, Oakridge, also lost, remaining tied with the Thunder.

However, Granite Bay won their Tuesday game, and therefore moved up to match both Rocklin and Oak Ridge in the standings.

Rocklin is now in a dangerous position, because both Oak Ridge and Granite Bay bested them in their respective three game series. This would mean if they remained tied as the season came to an end, Rocklin would give up their playoff spot to the Grizzlies and Trojans.

After playing the league leaders Del Oro this week, they will have to play the second place Woodcreek Timberwolves, meaning the road to the top four won’t be easy.

Nik is optimistic about the season ending, still firmly believing they can make the playoffs. “I feel like we will turn it around today, because we discussed some stuff with the team. I think we will get back on track.”

A good finish is so important to the players on this team, because as Nik says, “We didn’t make playoffs last year and it was a big disappointment, so this year we want to make playoffs.”

Be sure to follow the end of the Thunder varsity baseball season, because it is set up to be a thriller.