By Matt Turer – mturer@ky3.com
@Matt Turer
Wheatland brings back the core from a group that lost by a run in extra innings to Hermitage in last year’s Class 1, District 4 tournament. That was one of five losses that come by two or fewer runs last year for the Mules, with four of those losses coming in their last fives games. Hermitage went on to win that district title, which is something these Mules can do this season.
“We’re looking forward to the fall,” head coach Pat Dougherty said. “We return three seniors and three juniors that were all a part of a district championship two years ago, so we’ve had some past success and should be confident and working towards a big year.”
The Mules lost a good starter in Ashely Horton but return everyone else, including all-state junior catcher Madi Sutt (.446 AVG./12 XBH/27 RBI/20 SB) and all-region infielder Gracie Fatino (.423 AVG./31 SB).
“Sutt has been outstanding in her first two years in high school,” Dougherty said. “She’s been our best hitter and we look for her to just keep getting better and better as she becomes an upperclassman. She’s one of the best catchers in the area.”
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Fatino led Wheatland in steals last year. She may move back to third base (her natural position) this fall after playing shortstop in 2016.
“She’s an exceptional player,” Dougherty said of Fatino. “She’s athletic, quick and has great instincts.”
Wheatland returns a third 20+ base stealer in senior infielder Katlin Pickens (21 SB). She played third base last year but will likely be at second base this fall.
“[Pickens] came on strong at the plate last season, so we look for more of that this fall,” Dougherty said.
All-district junior pitcher Valory Dampier enters her third season as the No. 1 after a 2.60 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 143 innings last year.
“She’s been our mainstay in the circle since Day 1 of her freshman year. If she continues to improve, she’ll soon be one of the more dominant pitchers in the area,” Dougherty said.
Lookout for incoming freshman Kennedy Griffin (IF) as well. Doughtery said she’ll be a big part of Wheatland’s success this year. She’s expected to take over at shortstop and hit in the top half of an already good lineup.
Senior McKyndal Calhoun (OF/IF) is back in centerfield. Junior Gabby Ginnings (IF) is back at first base. Dougherty looks for her to have a bit of a breakout season.
“This is a motivated and hard working group, so it should be a fun season,” Dougherty said. “We hope to play well enough to challenge for conference (PCL) and district titles. We had a pretty good summer…and it’ll be exciting to get started and see how we compete.”
Wheatland opens its season at home Friday against Leeton.
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