The Goffstown High School baseball team is one of the hardest hitting small-ball teams around.

Though the Grizzlies have scored 124 runs in 2009, the defending state champions know what it takes to win once it becomes a single-elimination season.

“They understand their job at the plate, whether it’s moving a runner over or sacrifice bunting,” said head coach Matt Benson. “They know that once we get to the tournament, we’ll see a lot of good pitching. That’s why we practice bunting every day.”

En route to a 14-2 mark, the Grizzlies have averaged more than eight runs per contest while allowing more than six runs only four times this year.

Dan Deconinck has anchored Goffstown’s pitching rotation with a 5-0 record on the hill and an earned run average below 1.00, while Riley Palmer, Ryan Beal and Mike Bisceglia have been offensive catalysts.

One of the signature victories of the season came on May 4 against Trinity. The Grizzlies battled back several times before coming away with an 11-10 win – the Pioneers’ only loss to date.

Beal led the charge with two home runs and eight RBI, including a grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning that turned out to be the game-winner.

“It was just one regular-season game, but it showed a lot of character on our part,” said Benson. “We just kept battling back, getting a few runs here and there. They aren’t going to be cheated. They’ll get their cuts.”

In addition to its potent offense, Goffstown has also featured a smooth, sound defense, led by shortstop Alex Hickey and second baseman Pat Naughton.

The duo has turned close to 12 double plays this year, and the mentor said his defense has played particularly well behind its ace.

“Dan gets ahead of batters, throws strikes and hits his spots,” said Benson. “He keeps the ball low, and we play good defense behind him. They have confidence playing behind him that he’ll give us a good start each time, so they seem to always have their best efforts as well.”

Goffstown beat West, 8- 5, on Monday, May 18, and was next scheduled to take the field in a home tilt with Londonderry on Wednesday, May 20.

As he prepares his team for the Class L tournament and an attempt at back-to-back titles, Benson said he knows he must identify a second go-to starting pitcher following Deconinck. Bisceglia, Colby Couture and Rob Hunt are candidates for the spot.

“We’ve done a lot of pitching by committee,” said Benson. “It’s time to see who will step up and be that guy.”