By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
McDonald County baseball enjoyed a highly successful season in coach Heath Alumbaugh’s first season leading the program.
The Mustangs went 20-10 and a perfect 8-0 to win the Big 8 Conference title, falling to Webb City in the district finals. McDonald County will have to replace seven starters from a year ago.
But the cupboard is far from bare. The Mustangs return three starters in seniors Destyn Dowd (pitcher/utility player), Devin Stone (designated hitter) and Cooper Sprenkle (outfielder/pitcher). Dowd was an all-conference performer a year ago.
“Destyn is a kid that can play all over the field and be successful,” Alumbaugh said. “He will anchor our pitching staff this year and probably hit in the leadoff spot for us. Devin was our DH most of the year last year. He brings a lot of experience to the lineup and will play in the middle infield for us. Cooper will compete for time in the outfield and on the mound for us. He has a ton of movement on the ball and could throw a lot of innings for us.”
The Mustangs have a bevy of newcomers expected to contribute on varsity this season. It starts with juniors Hayden Lett (outfielder), Tim Pagel (pitcher/first baseman), Randall Bice (pitcher) and Koner Gill (pitcher).
Alumbaugh said Lett is expected to compete for a spot in the outfield, hit in the middle of the order offensively and be in the starting rotation. Pagel is an arm that will throw a lot of innings and compete for playing time at first base, while Bice could look for time on the infield and on the mound and Gill is expected to get time in the infield and receive at-bats.
McDonald County has 11 sophomores looking to contribute. Those names include Brodie Roessler (catcher), Konner Land (infielder), Ryder Martin (infielder), Chayton Banta (utility player/pitcher), Kreighton Kasischke (utility player/pitcher), Axe Bateman (outfielder/pitcher), Wyatt Gordon (pitcher/outfielder), Jette Akins (infielder), Camden Compton (outfielder), Eric Howard (outfielder) and Cael Carlin (utility player/pitcher).
“Brodie will look to get innings behind the plate,” Alumbaugh said. “Konner will compete for a spot on the infield. Ryder will compete for time on the infield. Chayton could be used all over the field and on the mound. Kreighton is another kid that can move all over the field and help us on the mound. Axe is a speedy kid that can move all over the field and help us pitch. Wyatt will contribute on the mound and compete for an outfield spot.
“Jette will look to compete for a spot on the infield. Camden will compete for time in the outfield. Eric will look for time in the outfield and Cael can play all over the field and pitch.”
While the Mustangs are young this year, Alumbaugh looks for this group to grow throughout the season.
“We will be a young team looking to improve and grow throughout the season,” the coach said. “We have great leadership out of our upperclassmen. I feel like we will be ready to compete within the conference once we get to that part of our season.”
McDonald County opens the season in the Ozarks Baseball Classic in Harrison (Ark.) on March 15-16.
