Plainfield North Baseball targets Conference title

North boy’s varsity baseball team opened its 2026 season with a strong 10-5 record, showing early signs of a group that could contend deep into the postseason.

Through the first stretch of games, the Tigers have leaned on a balanced offense and timely production throughout the lineup. Senior left-handed pitcher and Kentucky commit Sam Finn said the team’s ability to produce runs from top to bottom has been a key factor in its early success.

“I would say that we’re hitting the ball very well throughout the whole lineup,” Finn said. “Everyone is helping out and scoring runs, but also our adversity through some of these games also stands out.”

That resilience has shown up in tight games, where North has found ways to respond in late innings. The Tigers have not been perfect, but their ability to stay composed in pressure situations has helped them stack wins early.

Junior catcher Connor Eydenberg has played a key role in that offensive approach, emphasizing discipline at the plate while still looking to drive the baseball.

“Just trying to be aggressive while staying patient for a good pitch as well,” Eydenberg said. “I’ve drawn a ton of walks but would much rather be driving the ball gap to gap.”

Eydenberg added that the team expects its offensive production to continue, especially as competition ramps up during conference play.

“The better pitching will come when we get into conference play and are confident that we as a team will continue to hit in clutch moments,” Eydenberg said.

While the offense has been consistent, the Tigers are still working to clean up areas on the mound. Finn pointed to control issues as a primary focus moving forward.

“Right now our pitching needs a little fixing; our walks kill us in some situations,” Finn said. “But other than that we look like a good ball club.”

Despite that, the pitching staff has done enough to support the team’s early run, and the group remains confident that improvements will come as the season progresses.

The 10-5 start has also come with a sense that the Tigers have more to show. Eydenberg said the team believes it has not yet played its best baseball, which could be a positive sign as the schedule continues.

“If someone would’ve told us before the season started that we would win six of the first nine games, we would all feel that we are off to a great start,” Eydenberg said. “But, what’s exciting is that we have yet to play our best baseball.”

He also pointed to the team’s chemistry and preparation as reasons for optimism.

“We have come together as a tight knit team very quickly,” Eydenberg said. “And the best part is everyone is contributing. From pitchers to fielders to the entire lineup producing in key moments, it’s been fun to be part of and a shout out to our coaches.”

As conference play approaches, North is embracing the expectations that come with its early success. Finn said the team is prepared for the challenge of being a top contender.

“I think this season we could go very far in the playoffs, but we are winning conference this year,” Finn said. “We’re gonna have that target on our back, but that’s what we want.”