MORENCI — Spring has sprung and Morenci’s varsity baseball team is rife with anticipation for the season that lies ahead. The Bulldogs welcome a new head coach, a larger roster and 12 additional games from just a year ago.
“Expectations are high this season, and the energy around the team is fantastic,” head coach Matt Enders said. “The guys are eager to get started and there’s a real excitement in the air.”
Enders served as an assistant coach last season and his familiarity with the program made it a smooth transition as the team looks to improve upon last year’s record.
The Bulldogs have seen their player numbers increase from just 11 last year to 18 this year.
Sophomore Jonas Castillo will be one of Morenci’s impact performers this season.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him on the mound,” Enders said. “He’s been throwing well since early February and looks ready to take a big step forward.”
Junior Blake Moran and senior Wyatt Stevens will also serve as primary pitchers for the Bulldogs. The first-year head coach pointed out that Stevens missing last season has brought him back even more motivated and ready to make an impact.
“He’s been itching to get back on the field, and I expect him to contribute in a big way at the plate, defensively, and on the mound,” Enders said.
Freshman Drew Joughin, sophomore Skylar Trent, juniors Avery Kaiser, Evan Gould, Talan Kruse, Finn Molitierno, and Collin Blaker, and seniors Aiden Williams and Zachary Stevens could all serve as relief pitchers in some capacity.
The influx of players has also led to versatility on defense with many players being able to field multiple positions.
Fourteen different players could see time in the outfield, including freshmen Harrison Sarnac, Alex Lauffer and Paul Bongiorno. Sophomore Gabriel Pospisil, junior Marcus Golban and senior Christopher Hoffman also have outfield experience.
Castillo, Gould, Lauffer and both Stevens brothers will trade off at first base depending on who is on the mound.
Kaiser, Joughin and Sarnac will round out the depth chart at second base while Moran and Kruse will handle shortstop responsibilities. Hoffman, Molitierno, Blaker, Castillo and Moran could all see action at the hot corner.
The added arms in the bullpen along with the position availability of so many players makes a 33-game schedule much less daunting and provides more opportunities for the players and coaches alike.
“There are a lot of matchups to be excited about, but the two that stand out the most are our games against Sand Creek and LCS,” Enders said. “Those are definitely ones we’ve got circled.”
Sand Creek is always a circle game on Morenci’s schedule in any sport, but Enders is a Sand Creek graduate and understands the added motivation for this one. Lenawee Christian ended Morenci’s season last year and the Bulldogs have not forgotten.
Two tournaments are slated within the season. On April 19, the Addison Red Bat tournament will begin at 10 a.m. in Addison. And the Bulldogs will compete in the Wood Bat Classic at Adrian College on May 10.