Macks Creek baseball was young last year with three freshman, a sophomore and a junior who were all new to the team or district. That did not stop the Pirates from finishing 10-12 and earning a trip to the district title game where they fell to St. Elizabeth.
Coach Jason Trusty is hoping experience gained last year pays off this season.
“We have a lot of experience returning and they are eager to build off of last year’s season to put together what we hope is another run at a district title,” Trusty said.
Eight starters return this season including: seniors Oscar Cortez and Carsen Strutz; juniors Hunter Lane, Cole Register and Colten Walter; sophomores Grant English, Tanner Smith and Trever Smith. Lane was the top hitter in that group posting a .373 batting average with 13 RBI and 10 steals. Trever Smith knocked in 18 runs to lead the returning players. Cortez (11) and Register (10) both also had double-digit RBI season’s last year.
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The top returning pitcher for Macks Creek is Lane who went 1-5 last year with a 3.56 ERA. Cortez, Register, English and Tanner Smith all also saw time on the mound last year.
Zane Whitworth (senior), Bobby Swann III (junior), Preston Borgmeyer (sophomore) and Tristan Roberts (sophomore) are newcomers to watch for the Pirates this year.
The big change for the Pirates this year will be joining the Polk County League.
“We are moving into the Polk County League this season and are eager to have a conference to compete in this year,” Trusty said. “It changes the dynamics for how we handle our pitching, but will provide a chance for more accolades for our student athletes.”
Macks Creek opens the season on Mar. 21 at Wheatland.
