By Xavier Sanchez
Correspondent
Spring has a different set of challenges for high school sports compared to those played in the winter and fall. The most common and most unpredictable hurdle is the weather, without fail.
The start of 2024 high school baseball season lucked out, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 60s and sun shining across many area baseball diamonds when things got underway March 11.
Opening day is a special day that offers teams the ability to showcase their new teams, talents, threads and maybe even some new additions to their fields.
After several years of work, Stagg debuted its new turf field, hosting area rival Chicago Christian in a non-conference matchup.
Knights jumped to an early 3-0 lead, but the Chargers rallied in the bottom of third to tie the game and took a 5-4 lead the following inning. Stagg hurlers held Chicago Christian to one run over the final six innings and went on to win, 8-4.
Senior starting pitcher Will Schlueter went five innings allowing six hits, three earned runs and walking one while striking out five. Alan Lara relieved Schlueter and pitched two scoreless innings to earn the save.
Chargers catcher John Composono went 3-for-4 at the plate with two doubles and three RBI to lead the offense. Sebastia Talaga reached base in all four of his plate appearances which included two hits, two walks and two runs. Centerfielder John Harrell had two hits and scored three times.
Christian Flutman went 3-for-4 with three singles, a run and a RBI for the Knights.