By Chris Parker
Warsaw is aiming for a deep playoff run this year with seven starters returning from last year’s 14-win team.
The group will be led by a quartet of seniors.
“We will rely on our seniors Nick Bagley (catcher), Gage Whitaker (OF), Tayten Boyer (OF), Alec Frost (Utility),” Warsaw head coach John Eierman said. “It’s a close group that works hard. These seniors have led by example and bring energy every day.”
Bagley earned first-team all-state as a catcher last year.
“Nick blocks and receives the ball well and does a good job of keeping the pitchers focused and working hard,” Eierman said.
He was also strong offensively hitting .392 with a .430 on-base percentage and 17 RBI.
The pitching staff will feature sophomores Josh Bunch, Garrett Ferguson, Kendall Bagley and Jayce Depriest along with Whitaker.
“All these guys compete well on the mound and use their defense,” Eierman said. “We are excited to see what they can do as sophomores.”
There will be competition for spots all over the field and none more hotly contested than first base where Devon Boul (junior), Frost, Bunch, Reece Maxwell (sophomore) and Payton Painter (sophomore) will all compete for time.
Second base will be a competition between Drake Murrell (sophomore) and Colton Harding (senior). Kendall Bagley and Ferguson will look to hold down the left side of the infield with one at shortstop and the other third base.
Ferguson is the team’s top returning hitter. He posted a .438 batting average with a .608 on-base percentage scoring 22 runs and stealing 11 bases last year. He also had three doubles and three triples. Bagley hit .387 with a .457 on-base percentage.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LINKS TO ALL OF OUR SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
Boyer, Whitaker, Depriest, Bradley Watson (sophomore) and Shane Poyser (sophomore) will compete in the outfield for time. Sophomore Logan Gemes will fill a utility role.
Whitaker was the top hitter in that group last year with a .371 batting average and a .476 on-base percentage to go with 25 runs scored and 15 stolen bases. Boyer hit .317 with a .421 on-base percentage wile scoring 18 runs and driving in 16 runs. Depriest had a .500 on-base percentage with 22 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.
Eierman also said Warsaw has a large group of freshmen who could push for varsity innings.
Depth will be a strength for a Warsaw team looking to not allow innings to get away from them.
“Our team speed is one of our top strengths. Another strength will be our depth from top to bottom,” Eierman said. “An area we need to improve to find success is to not let one inning beat us. A big inning seemed to be the problem in most of our losses last year.”
Warsaw will open the season Mar. 17-18 at the Harrison (Ark.) Tournament.
“I want the identity of our team to be the most energetic team around. When our guys practice and compete with a ton of energy it’s exciting to watch,” Eierman said. “We are looking forward to taking a step forward and not letting little mistakes or one bad inning lose us ball games. We are looking to compete for a district and conference championship. We have a ton of depth with our underclassmen and they are going to raise the level of competition every day in practice.”
