By Chris Parker
Six starters return for Pierce City baseball coming off a nine-win season.
Mekhi Kleiboeker, Carson Jespersen and Logan Witt will be team leaders for the Eagles this season according to head coach BJ Curry.
“Mekhi is a tough-minded competitor who sets the tone for our team,” Curry said. “Carson is our hardest working player and has the respect of his teammates. Logan is a quiet leader. His consistency is a stabilizing force for us.”
Gage Warner, Lucas Knight, Logan Cox, and Logan Haskins will lead Pierce City’s pitching staff. Carson Jespersen, Layton Mack, and Mekhi Kleiboeker should see innings as well.
Jesperson returns behind the plate after starting every game last year.
“Carson Jespersen has put in a lot of work to become a better defensive catcher,” Curry said. “He is a different player, and I am excited to see him this spring.”
On the infield, Luke Perry, Cox and Warner will share time at first base and third base. Mack and Witt will be up the middle at shortstop and second base.
The outfield will feature Kleiboeker in centerfield along with Noah Carr, Noah Creed, Lucas Knight and Carder Eaton at the corner outfield spots.
Pierce City has had a young team the past couple of year, but that experience should start paying off this season.
“We have several juniors who have started games for us for two years,” Curry said. “They had to play before they were ready, but I believe their experience and maturity will start paying dividends this spring.”
Pierce City opens the regular season on Mar. 15 at home against Verona.
“I believe that we will be a competitive team this spring,” Curry said. “We are in a tough conference with good coaches and players. We have to grow in several key areas to be able to compete with them. Our guys are locked in for this season and I am excited to see what we make of our opportunities.”
