Finding Ways to Win: Hackett Baseball Battles Through Adversity to Stay Among State’s Best

In a season where most teams would have folded under the pressure of relentless injuries and dramatic setbacks, Hackett Catholic Prep’s baseball team has chosen resilience over retreat. With a 12-5 record, a No. 4 state ranking, and their sights still firmly set on a deep playoff run, this group of determined experienced athletes is writing one of the most compelling stories in Michigan high school baseball.

Star pitcher and outstanding hitter David Verduzco, who leads the team with an eye popping 1.217 ERA over 23 innings, broke his hand and is out for the season. Right fielder Gavin was lost for the year after a freak accident involving a teammate during practice. Ace Preston Cosby, still recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been watching from the dugout. And Doran, recovering from labrum surgery, is pitching despite not being medically cleared.

“We’ve just learned to roll with the punches,” said senior Tyler Brand, who leads the team in strikeouts with 33 over 20 innings. “Despite losing some valuable players, I still have faith in this team to make a run. This team brings so much energy to the table and is relentless in their efforts.”

That tenacity came to life in one of the season’s signature moments: an extra-innings thriller over powerhouse Portage Northern, marking the Irish’s first-ever win on the road against their rivals. Short on pitching depth, injured arms in the dugout, and expectations stacked against them, Hackett found a way.

The Irish have leaned on both star power and depth. Noah Emmer, fresh off his commitment to Trine University, has been a spark plug at the plate, launching two home runs against Constantine and Lawton and leading the team in extra-base hits with eight. Max Gerl, despite a crazy 13.36 ERA on the mound, leads the team with 19 hits and a home run to his name. Preston Cosby, committed to Lake Michigan College, continues to contribute offensively with a home run and a team-leading 11 stolen bases, even as he eyes a return to the mound for playoffs.

Vince Walbridge quietly paces the team with a .484 batting average across 31 at-bats, offering consistency when the lineup needed it most. Meanwhile, Tyler Beach and Gerl also flash the wheels with 10 stolen bases each, showing the team’s aggressive philosophy on the basepaths.

Off the field, the Irish have celebrated a wave of college commitments. In addition to Emmer and Cosby, Tyler Brand also committed to Lake Michigan College, while Brooks Basler will continue his career at Ave Maria. It’s a reflection of both the talent and the bond these players have built one rooted in trust, accountability, and belief.

And belief is something this team never lacks.

Even in the Kalamazoo City Tournament game, where the D4 Irish put up a dominant 18-1 win over D1 Kalamazoo Central, Hackett showed their ability to back down from nobody. With Senior Night set for May 14 and the playoffs beginning May 27, the Irish are gearing up for one final push perhaps with Cosby back on the hill to anchor a worn-down but battle-tested pitching staff.

“We may not have the deepest rotation, but we’ve got the heart,” Brand said. “And that goes a long way in May.”

From shattered bones to shattered expectations, Hackett baseball hasn’t had an easy road but they’ve turned every obstacle into opportunity. As they continue to find ways to win, one thing is certain: this season is far from over, and the Irish still believe their best baseball is yet to come.