In 2014, the Bakersfield Lions won their district as Class 1 competitors, but in 2015, the small school moved up to Class 2 and were met with a greater challenge.
“Last year, we finished 13-8 and lost in districts to Cabool,” said Coach Brandon Cotter. “We played a tough schedule last year and have a tough schedule again this year.”
The Lions start their season without three of their starting seniors from last year: Kraig Foster, Bub Marsh, and Michael Dihel. Marsh and Foster combined for 7 wins and 2 losses on the mound last season, while Dihel was a standout in the outfield.
Bakersfield does return eight seniors, however, with six having seen varsity action. Wyatt Summers, Joe Vaughn, and Noah Shrable will each be looked upon to fill the void at the mound.
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Summers, who also plays center field, was 3-0 on the mound last year. Vaughn went 2-1 and also plays third base, and Shrable plays a solid second base, having served in a more limited capacity in pitching in the past.
Shortstop Devin Murphy is the team’s lead-off hitter, and Jacob Grayham, who has previously earned all-district and all-conference awards at utility, will be the team’s catcher.
“We have a lot of holes to fill this year with different players playing new positions,” said Cotter. “We plan to improve through the season and to be in position for both conference and the district championship.”
The Lions open their season at Mansfield on March 31.
