As usual, the Solanco baseball team expects to place itself in the playoff hunt. Pitching depth will be key to the Mules' chances. Ace pitcher Zack Leonard and number two starter Darren Rutledge both graduated, leaving big holes to fill. "We lost a lot of innings," coach Tom Fish said. Solanco is turning to senior Kenny Walton to lead the staff. Walton saw some action on varsity last season. "We're really, really expecting a strong season from Kenny," Fish said. "He's anxious and prepared to fill the role of a number one starter." Fish said Walton looked sharp last Thursday, the first time he had the opportunity to throw against hitters. "We know he's going to throw strikes and give us a chance," the coach said.
Matt McCarriston, who has some varsity experience, and Phil Probst, who is up from JV, are battling for the second slot in the starting rotation. "It could be a competition throughout the season," Fish said. The coach says he has at least 10 players capable of pitching including Robert Beard, Brady Thomas, Joe Murray, and Derek Lavin "It's a work in progress and depends on who is healthy and throwing strikes," Fish said. The Mules' staff likely won't strike out as many hitters as last season, but Fish says Solanco will compensate for that with a sound defense. "We will have to make more plays but we are more prepared to do that," Fish said. "Defensively, we might be stronger than last year and we're working hard to be better offensively. We're looking for pitchers who will keep us in the ballgame." First team All-Star Bailey Keys, the team's top hitter last year, returns behind the plate. Nolan Quinn will serve as the backup. Varsity newcomers Probst, Dawson Goté, Tony Osborne are vying for time at first base. Thomas and Murray will be in the middle infield with Billy Buckwalter and Mike Worthington add depth. Beard and Lavin will see time at third base. "It's a versatile, coachable group," Fish says. Seniors Tag Hess and Tony Rambo are returning starters in the outfield. "They will be big contributors," Fish said. Jarrett McGuire, up from JV, will also see action in the outfield. Section realignment will have a huge impact this season. Lampeter-Strasburg and Garden Spot move up to Section Two in place of Lebanon and Cocalico. "That certainly makes things more competitive," Fish said. "But I don't think that's a bad thing at all." The Mules have won three of the last four games against perennial section power Ephrata, but the Mounts still managed to finish in first place. "Any team could win it and any team could finish last," said Fish. "We are always there and I expect to be there again." The Mules open Friday at Pequea Valley. Comments are closed.
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