By Chris Parker
Six consistent starters return for a Walnut Grove baseball team coming off a four-win campaign.
Senior leaders include Rhett McMillen (infield/outfield), Landon McMillen (infield/outfield), Tanner McMillen (first base/pitcher) and Johnny Keith (utility/pitcher).
“(They) will all be senior leaders for our program this year,” Walnut Grove head coach Mason Sanders said. “These are the four individuals who have been with me the longest and understand what our program strives for.”
Several of the key pitchers for the team will be young with freshmen Sam Voris and Dwyer Coons along with sophomore Ryder Boone set to throw big innings.
Sanders on Voris: “Sam Voris is a freshman who will see a large workload on the mound. He has a live arm with a hammer curveball. He will be able to throw three pitches with command with solid mound presence.”
Sanders on Coons: “Dwyer Coons is another freshman righty that will see a larger workload when he is not behind the plate. He commands four pitches well and has a deep knowledge of the game which really helps him on the mound.”
Sanders on Boone: “Ryder Boone is a sophomore who came in last year midway through the season and really picked things up for us. He fills the zone and pitches with confidence. He isn’t the hardest thrower around, but he creates interesting matchups that hitters struggle with.”
Keith and Coons will handle the catching duties.
Voris will also play shortstop. Junior Diesl Phillips or Rhett McMillen will be at third base. Any of Boone, Landon McMillen, freshman Kaden Albert or Keith could play second. First base will be occupied by Tanner McMillen or Boone.
The outfield will see the likes of Ethan Kelley, Phillips, Preston Simpson, Keith, Rhett McMillen or Joey McGee.
The defensive alignment will depend on who is on the mound.
“Last year was a learning year for everyone. Most guys got some sort of varsity experience that we were lacking, especially on the mound. I believe there will be a new sense of confidence in these young men that will help us win a few more games this year,” Sanders said. “Being able to stay in games late will be key. We had issues after going to relievers late in games where our pitching and defense would start falling apart. Offensively, being consistent will be a huge part of our success. Finding ways to get our guys to consistently keep an approach and understand our style of play will lead to runs on the board.”
Walnut Grove opens the regular season on Mar. 15 at home against Fair Play.
“My expectations are to make the most out of the group we have,” Sanders said. “We have a few seniors that have been here for a while who understand what we need to do to win baseball games. I am optimistic that these young men will be able to fill the lineup with guys that can get the job done by filling their role to the best of their abilities.”
