NYCE WORK: Princeton Day School baseball player Matt Nyce makes contact in a recent game. Last Thursday, junior star Nyce went 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs to help PDS defeat Peddie 13-6. The Panthers, who lost to Nottingham 10-8 last Saturday to fall to 4-2, host Conwell Egan (Pa.) on April 19 and Lawrence High on April 21 before playing at Gill St.Bernard’s on April 23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton Day School baseball team trailed the Peddie School 4-0 in the second inning last Thursday one day after falling 14-12 to Hun in extra innings, Matt Nyce was confident that the Panthers would rally.

“It was pretty early in the game and we have been hitting really well,” said junior star second baseman Nyce.

“Obviously we had a rough inning in the top of the second but I am pretty sure we knew we would it get going.”

Nyce helped PDS get going in the bottom of the second, picking up an RBI as the Panthers went on to score six runs and never looked back on the way to a 13-6 win.

“Since we we got back from our Florida trip we have been hitting really well; we have four guys hitting over .400 right now,” said Nyce.

“I think we have just been feeding off of each other’s hits. Once Luke [Franzoni] hit that home run [in the third inning], everyone was excited.”

Nyce, who batted leadoff against Peddie, ended up going 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs.

“I usually hit cleanup and I actually enjoy that because I was getting runs in,” said Nyce. “I like leadoff too. I will hit wherever, as long as I am in the lineup.”

In reflecting on his hot start, Nyce is enjoying a new confidence at the plate this spring.

“Last year I was in my head a lot; I wasn’t as focused and I didn’t believe in myself,” said Nyce, who is hitting .480 with 12 runs and nine RBIs through six games. “Now I believe in myself and I know I can hit anyone. I think that is the biggest thing.”

The versatile Nyce has also contributed this spring as a pitcher, picking up a win on the mound when PDS topped Lawrenceville 10-7 in its season opener on April 5.

“Mostly for pitching, I just try to throw strikes,” said Nyce. “I don’t have overpowering stuff, I know my role as a pitcher.”

While Nyce acknowledges that PDS is not an overpowering team, he believes the Panthers can have a big spring.

“I think we have a lot of fight, everyone wants to win,” said Nyce of the Panthers, who lost to Nottingham 10-8 last Saturday to fall to 4-2 and will host Conwell Egan (Pa.) on April 19 and Lawrence High on April 21 before playing at Gill St.Bernard’s on April 23.

“This year I think everyone realizes that we may not be as talented as the last two years but if we work together and bring energy, we can win a lot of games. Once one guy starts to hit, it is contagious. As long as the pitchers throw strikes and we field, I think we can be tough to beat.”