Head coach Marty Hauck is hoping a young pitching staff will eventually anchor a much-improved unit for the St. James High School baseball team this spring.
The Tigers are scheduled to open the season at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 22 in Washington as part of the Four Rivers Tournament. On Wednesday, March 24 St. James is to host Hermann at 4:30 p.m. at Nelson Hart Park in the tournament.
St. James is running the Four Rivers Tournament this year.
Hauck returns six varsity lettermen, all with varsity starting experience, from last year’s squad, which struggled at a 3-18 overall record and 0-7 mark in Four Rivers Conference play.
This year the Tigers will be depending one some youngsters to come around in a hurry.
Leading the way is a young pitching staff with new aces. Sophomore right-hander Robert Hughes is currently the team’s No. 1 starting pitcher. He was 0-4 on the varsity level last year, the only varsity pitcher back.
A close No. 2 on the staff is another sophomore righty, Lee Stevens. Also expected to log varsity innings are sophomore right-hander Caleb John and sophomore left-hander Eric Carter.
“I think this year the pitching is a work in progress,” Hauck said. “But it will definitely be a strength in the future, with our No. 1 and 2 starters being sophomores. We’ve got to make the routine plays behind them on defense.”
At first base senior Tommy Auxier returns.
There is a battle at second base between freshman Jake Ford and junior Colin Rosenow.
At shortstop Hughes and Stevens will see action there - whoever is not pitching - while freshman Zane Hunter also figures in the mix.
At third base junior Brett Greshem and John are battling.
Senior Drew Carter returns at catcher.
The starting outfield figures to be junior Tyler Craft in left, junior Tyler Karnes in center and sophomore Dustin Lineback in right. Ford and Eric Carter also expect to see action in the outfield.
Auxier, Hughes, John, Carter, Craft and Karnes all have varsity starting experience.
“I think we will be improved defensively,” Hauck said. “Again, we have to make the routine plays.
So far in the preseason Zane Hunter sticks out as an infielder who is diving for every ball and working hard.”
Hauck says Karnes, Hughes, John and Drew Carter are among those swinging the bat well in the preseason.
“Offensively we’re very young but it’s taken hold,” Hauck said. “We’re hitting the ball well so far. We’ve had several balls leaving the yard...and that’s something new.”
As usual the Four Rivers Conference figures to be strong.
“Sullivan won it last year and they’ll probably be the team to beat again,” Hauck said. “Owensville and Pacific will also have strong teams.”
