By Chris Parker
Pleasant Hope baseball is looking for a breakout season after posting three consecutive eight-win campaigns. Five starters return this season bringing good chemistry with them.
“Our team will have good chemistry this year after going through many highs and lows together within the returning class,” Pleasant Hope head coach Jared Gage said. “These returners have consistently demonstrated strides in character and respect for the game. We strive to be a role model for younger players, exemplifying professionalism and a positive attitude each time we take the field.”
Turner Alexander (senior), Bradley Jenkins (sophomore), Bryson Carver (junior), Jack Keeling (freshman) and Lane Kelly (freshman) will be the pitching staff.
“Turner and Bradley have both been guys that limit walks for us and give our defense opportunities to work behind them,” Gage said. “Bryson was one of our go-to relievers last year, and we plan to have him increase that workload. Jack and Lane are both incoming freshmen that we expect to compete for innings on the mound.”
Peyton Guy and Carver will both see time at catcher.
Trevor Tucker returns to the infield at third base for his senior season. Bradley Jenkins is a utility sophomore that had varsity innings in the infield last season. Keeling will also compete for time on the infield. Alexander and Tanner Horvath are also options on the infield.
Case Murray will transition from infield to outfield this season. The senior will be in centerfield. Carver, Andrew Harley (junior), Kelly, Mason Prince (junior) and Daylin Campbell (freshman) will all compete for corner outfield spots.
Alexander, Murray, Tucker and Carver were identified as team leaders.
“Turner has been the backbone to our rotation since his sophomore year and has really developed into a key competitor for us on the mound,” Gage said. “Case is a great personality for us in the dugout and I think that is an important guy to have around any team to keep them loose. He also knows when to flip the switch and compete come game time. Trevor leads with a quiet confidence and has been a vital piece to our infield the past two years. Bryson is an intelligent player who has consistently excelled at hitting, pays attention to detail and mentors our underclassmen. All four of these guys are who we want our underclassmen to be around as much as possible.”
Pleasant Hope opens the season on Mar. 21 at home against Aurora Christian Academy.
“Our identity we try to have each year is fellowship. Having a shared purpose and supporting each other has to be a staple for us to accomplish different goals,” Gage said.
