The three Wright County districts with a baseball team playing this fall are ready for 2020.
Hartville baseball
A key group of returning Hartville baseball players from a squad that went 16-2 and dominated the area on the diamond last year is looking to have similar success this fall.
The Eagles are led by seniors Eli Cook (C), Brody McNiel (P, 1B), Ryce Piper (P, SS) and Braden Branstetter (Utility).
“I expect us to be competitive in every game,” said Hartville baseball head coach Clint Horn.
“Over the past three years, our seniors have left their mark on the program as a winning group and team and we expect that trend to continue. We only return four starters, so we need our newcomers to adjust quickly and have confidence in themselves to get their job done.”
On the mound, Piper had a solid fall and summer for the Eagles and he looks to take the mound once or twice a week for Hartville this fall.
“He throws lots of strikes and competes,” Horn said.
Also seeing time on the mound will be left-hander McNiel and Hunter Lowery, who is effective when he hits his spots and keeps the ball low in the zone.
Offensively, Horn said his squad will be athletic and fast.
Cook, McNiel, Piper and Branstetter will lead the Eagles at the top of the order.
Several newcomers will need to make the adjustment to varsity pitching to help take pressure off the top of the lineup.
“We do not have a ton of power on this team, but our quickness will make up for it,” Horn added.
Defensively, Horn feels his team is athletic and solid at each position.
Mansfield baseball
The Mansfield Lions baseball team will be led by its pitching staff during the upcoming fall season.
Pitchers Brayden Barnett and Chade Noble will lead the Lions on the mound.
The pitching depth includes pitchers Dylan Robertson, Kile Gray, Dylan Henry and freshman Kellar Davis (P/IF).
“All of these pitchers are capable each day of stepping up for us and making a big impact in a game on the varsity level,” said Mansfield head coach Joe Garrison.
“… I look for our pitching staff to be our team strength as our offense and defense work to improve becoming tough up and down the line-up. We understand that to win and compete at a high level requires strength in all areas of the game.”
Both Kyle Buchanan (OF) and Kile Gray (P/OF) are the Lions’ lone seniors who have played for Coach Garrison their entire careers.
“I look for them to set the example of hard work and commitment to winning each and every day,” Garrison noted.
Other key players include juniors Trevor Williams (IF), Jack Grubbs (OF), Carter Brooke (IF), Madix Gray (IF) and Ryan Long (IF); sophomores London Dennis (IF) and Stone Sawyers (IF/C).
Defensively, the Lions will have several players taking on varsity roles for the first time in their careers.
“We have the ability to become a pretty good defensive team, but we have a lot of growth and development before we get there,” Garrison noted. “… I expect the Lions this fall to perform as in years past and get better with each game. I am sure that we will have several bumps in the road so to speak, but as we toughen up as a group, I look for us to be a quality ball club in the end.”
Mansfield was 9-5 during the fall 2019 season.
Norwood baseball
The Norwood Pirates baseball team is looking for its returning players to help make this fall season a special one.
Key returners from last fall’s 7-5 team include Jacob Sinning, Garrett Davault, Josh Bradshaw, Dylan Calhoun, Jalen Drake, Gavin McGraw and Zack Black.
“I think our program will compete this year,” said Norwood head coach Drew Miller.
“We have our older guys that bring experience to the table. Our young guys are stepping up and competing for spots. We should have a solid year.”
Offensively, Miller is looking for his team to be solid this fall.
“We have a lot of guys coming back that have a lot of experience in the middle of our lineup,” Miller said.
Defensively, the Pirates will be fine tuning their craft on a daily basis.
“We are working hard every day to get better on defense,” Miller said.
“We will be good due to the fact we have guys in key spots that have been working since their freshman year.”
On the mound, Davault, Bradshaw and Sinning will be eating up innings for Norwood.
“I expect them to throw a lot of strikes and let their defense make plays behind them,” Miller added.
The Pirates open their season at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sep. 8 at home against Hartville.
