By Chris Parker
Thayer baseball won eight games last season. That number is set to go up this season with nine starters returning.
This year’s group returns bigger and stronger than last season.
“The weight room has really been good to us,” head coach Matt Pitts said. “Coach Briar Hancock does such a great job not only getting our guys bigger and stronger but also working on speed and agility. Also, just having all of these guys back from last season who are a year older and stronger and more confident should really help.”
Devin Harrington will anchor the pitching staff with good velocity and effective secondary pitches. Mason Thornton (sophomore) and Colton Mills (junior) will also be key pitchers.
Thornton will be behind the plate at catcher.
Cooper Clark (third base), Harrington (first base), Mills (shortstop/utility), Carter Nicholson (second base), Kaleb Tipton (first base), Canyon Harper (first base/DH) and Ty Young (utility) will be on the infield.
The outfield has several players competing for spots. Easton Pitts will be in centerfield. Brendon Spencer and Corbin Taylor will look for time in left field. Dom Boyce is an option in right field.
“I really believe our pitching and defense will be the key to how are season unfolds. We were strong in those areas last season and we look to even be better this time,” Coach Pitts said. “We will need to improve offensively 1-9. Learning to play situational baseball, moving runners, cutting our strikeouts down and hitting with runners in scoring position will all need to improve for us to compete at the level we hope to get to.”
Thayer opens the season on Mar. 25 at home against Mansfield.
“We want to be a team who fundamentally plays the game the right way and competes hard each game,” Coach Pitts said. “With all of our guys coming back and adding some good young players, who all know how to play, we hope to build on last season’s success.”
