Solanco baseball coach Tom Fish frequently uses the word "excited" when discussing his team's prospects this spring. Solanco has been building toward this season for three years and Fish fully expects the Mules to reap the rewards of their preparation. "I'm excited to see what these guys can do," the coach said. "We've given them a lot of instruction. Now they get an opportunity to show what they've learned." The Mules were 8-12 last season after finishing 4-14 in 2017 when most of the players on the current roster began their varsity careers. "I'm very excited about this year," Fish said. "We have 10 seniors all but one was playing varsity as a sophomore, many who will be starting for a third straight year. We have the opportunity to have a strong year." Pitching talent and depth is a major reason for all the optimism. Solanco boasts a pair of senior aces in righthander Haydn Fox and lefty Cory Stively. Fox has been a key contributor since his freshman season in 2016 when he pitched brilliantly in the Lancaster-Lebanon League title game victory. "Both of them are difficult to hit," said Fish. Senior Dawson Kreider, Solanco's starting shortstop, is also expected to pitch. Juniors Grady Unger and Mike May are part of the equation. "They pitched a little last year and will pitch a little more this season," Fish said. Senior Joel McGuire, who has been starting in centerfield since the beginning of his freshman season, could see action on the mound in relief. Nate Butler, who played JV last year, could also get some innings. Zach Fritz returns at catcher. "We're really comfortable with Zach behind the plate," Fish said. Hunter Shaw is the backup backstop who is also capable of playing first base and serving as the designated hitter. "We'll get his bat in the lineup somewhere," Fish said. Kreider will anchor the infield. "Dawson is one of the best shortstops in the league," Fish said. Versatile John Murray, the team's top hitter the last two seasons will play either third base, second base, or first base. Sam Buckwalter is slated to start in the middle infield for the third straight year. Tim Fetterman, a two-time All-Star, will man a corner outfield position. Promising sophomore Seth Harnish is competing for playing time on the varsity. "We're not sure where Seth fits in, but we'll give him an opportunity to see if he can help us this year," Fish said. The pieces are in place for a successful season. "They've got the talent but it doesn't just happen," said Fish. "You have to work hard and prepare. It's a good group. They're close and have become even closer. I hope it turns out well and I think it will." The Mules won the 2016 Lancaster-Lebanon League Tournament, but Solanco has not won a section title in Fish's eight seasons at the helm. He's confident his squad will contend for one this year as well as a district tournament berth. "I expect us to do something," Fish said. "We recognize this as a unique, special group." Opening Day is Saturday, May 23 when the Mules travel to Daniel Boone for a 1 p.m. first pitch. Solanco is at Elizabethtown Wednesday, May 27 before taking on Lebanon Friday, March 29, in the home opener. Comments are closed.
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