By Chris Parker
Macks Creek baseball is looking to bounce back from a six-win season in 2021 behind its pitching staff.
“Our strengths will be our pitching,” Macks Creek head coach Luke Overton said. “We have several key pitchers that can dictate the pace and strength of the game.”
One of those key pitchers and leaders is sophomore Dakota Willis. He is also a force at the plate.
“He is definitely our ace and has been consistent in his ability to make solid contact,” Overton said. “We will be relying on him scoring runs and striking out batters or playing third when not pitching.”
Senior Austin Brown will be another key pitcher, leader and defender in centerfield. Hunter Harris (senior) will be counted on for his ability as a leader and his bat. Oliver Sanchez-Chavez will be a key role player. He is a strong utility player.
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Willis, Brown and Oliver Perez will be the team’s top pitchers. Willis is a strong all-around pitcher with velocity, off-speed pitches, accuracy and a strong mental approach. Brown goes right after opposing hitters with his velocity. Perez has both accuracy and velocity on his pitches.
Freshman Sean Green will step right into the varsity catcher role.
Hunter Harris or Paxten Breshears will play first. Tyler Newcomb will be at second. Josh Botta will be at shortstop. Dakota Willis and Oliver Sanchez-Perez will be at third place.
The outfield will feature Isaiah Schmidt, Kyler Gabriel, Austin Brown and Tyler Newcomb.
“We will definitely need to improve our offense and defense,” Overton said. “Our pitching cannot carry us to a victory alone. We need to get the bats going and field behind our pitchers. We will have a lot of young guys playing key roles which means they aren’t experienced and definitely need to step up.”
Macks Creek opens the season on Mar. 22 at home against Tuscumbia.
“My expectations are to fight through the entire season,” Overton said. “Since this is my first year coaching I will be growing and so will a lot of my players. We won’t give up and hopefully we can win some games and make a run in the postseason.”
