By Chris Parker
Southwest baseball returns six starters from last season’s team that finished 8-11.
The six returning players this year include: Cruz Marquez (senior), Brandon Brooks (junior), Zak Corwin (junior), Coy Shrum (junior), Brendyn Paulsen (sophomore) and Charlie Pippin (sophomore).
Coach Kenny Ferguson on Marquez: “Cruz has been a four-year starter and a first-team all-conference and all-district selection each year. Cruz has led us in hitting every year so far as well as defensively manning the shortstop position. As an all-around player, Cruz has been a steady performer on the mound. Cruz doesn’t beat his chest but leads by example. I’m looking forward to seeing what his senior year brings but will surely miss him when he is gone.”
Marquez hit .314 with 11 RBI and 11 stolen bases in the fall. He was 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA on the mound.
Ferguson on Brooks: “Brandon really stepped forward this fall and made second base his position. He definitely solidified our defense as well as becoming more of a weapon offensively out of the two-hole. I would like to see Brandon be more aggressive at the plate.”
Brooks tallied 13 hits with 4 RBI in the fall.
Ferguson on Corwin: “Zak is one of those players who can play any position and do it well. He is a gold-glove caliber defender. Zak moved to the three-hole as he is a good hitter. He has very good hand eye coordination and needs to be more selective at the plate. He can make contact no matter where the pitch is. I also need to mention he is lightning quick. A very good base runner and base stealer. He became our closer this fall as he has very good stuff on the mound. (He was) all-conference both years and all-district once.”
Corwin hit .270 with 12 stolen bases in the fall.
Ferguson on Shrum: “Coy is a good defender and when on he can be an offensive weapon. He has good speed and surprising pop for his size. He needs to cut back on his swing and miss ratio.”
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Shrum hit .298 with 10 RBI and five stole bases in the fall.
Ferguson on Paulsen: “Brendyn became our No. 1 this fall on the mound. He had some impressive performances this fall. With his frame, desire, and love of baseball I look forward to seeing what the future holds. He plays a solid first base and hits in the four and five hole. Brendyn led us this fall in RBI’s and also hit his first home run. He needs to quit being so hard on himself and keep more of an even keel.”
Paulsen went 2-4 with a 2.40 ERA on the mound this past fall. He had 14 RBI and a .262 batting average at the plate.
Ferguson on Pippin: “Charlie took a huge step forward this fall both offensively as a designated hitter and defensively at first base. Charlie needs to become more consistent at the plate.”
Pippin had seven hits and five RBI in the fall.
Sophomores Evan Ennes, Landon Bernard, Trey Ray, Braden Garcia and Caleb Ayer along with freshmen Tristen Morgan, Kasen Holder, Hunter Barnes, Braydan Eggleston and Colten Phillips are newcomers to watch.
Morgan led that group in hitting in the fall with 20 total hits and 11 RBI on the way to a .323 batting average. Ennes was just behind him with 10 RBI and 13 total hits.
“I am hoping that we can find the consistency that we have lacked lately,” Ferguson said. “I am looking forward to this season. Barring injury we should have as much pitching as we have had in a long time. If we can improve our focus we could be very special defensively. We tend to have lapses at times. Our biggest area of improvement needs to be offensively. I really thought that would be a strength in the fall but I was wrong. As a group they need to keep a better focus and more of an even keel. We tend to let things bother us and get too down. Baseball is a tough sport and a long game so you can’t let the highs be too high and the lows get you too low. I am looking forward to this season. We have a good group of young men who I really enjoy being around. I feel this could be a special season if we can stay healthy and committed.”
Southwest opens the season on Mar. 22 at home against McAuley Catholic.
