It’s been an up and down start to the season for Freedom’s baseball team, but the Pates have shown that they’re capable of playing with anyone.

Coming into the week, Freedom was 4-4 and played in four straight one-run ballgames before whipping East Stroudsburg North 15-0 last week to snap a two-game slide where they lost to Becahi and Whitehall 4-3 and 1-0 respectively.

The close losses are indicative of where the team is at the moment. Consistent to be in every game, just like when they nipped Liberty 1-0 at Coca-Cola Park earlier this year, and sometimes not having enough in one-run losses.

“We lost to Becahi and Whitehall by a run in each game,” said head coach John Biscoe. “Wish we had those back. Beating Liberty was huge. I believe in our guys and that we can play with anyone. There’s still a lot of baseball left to play.”

There will be a lot of baseball for the Pates this week with five games on tap against Easton, Central Catholic, Stroudsburg, Dieruff and Northampton.

The K-Kids (5-3) are the only team with a winning record of those mentioned and it’s an opportunity for Freedom to give themselves some breathing room from the .500 mark.

It’s also a chance for the players to play to what they Biscoe thinks they’re capable of this season.

“I expected us to compete at a high level this year,” said Biscoe. “My expectations for our players is high and there is a standard my staff and I are trying to establish. I am proud of them so far but you can always play better. Always room for improvement.”