CLEVELAND STATE BASEBALL READY FOR 2017 SEASON
A new year, a new season and Cleveland State’s baseball team is ready to get theirs underway. The wait for opening day is over, with the Cougars hosting the University of the Cumberland’s JV team in a doubleheader on Monday.
A new year, a new season and Cleveland State's baseball team is ready to get theirs underway. The wait for opening day is over, with the Cougars hosting the University of the Cumberland's JV team in a doubleheader on Monday.
"I'm looking forward to watching our team compete through the entire season and am looking for continued improvements throughout the season," head coach Mike Policastro said. "We can be a good team and have a good year. We'll need to have our frontline guys have good years, both in our line up and on the mound. The schedule is challenging and our 27-game conference schedule will be as competitive as ever."
The coach is excited to have many returning sophomores back at their positions and expects them to boost the team.
"We have the chance to have a productive season as we can set an everyday lineup with returning sophomores who had solid seasons last year," Policastro began.
"Sophomore outfielders Devin Gardner and Jordan Ransom, who both signed early with four year schools, should be able to put together good seasons. First baseman Sean McDermott, a Mercer University signee, returns after hitting 12 home runs last year should give the line up a boost. Infielder Billy Brand returns after a successful freshman season. An outstanding defender, he can play anywhere on the infield. Hagan Kennedy (catcher) is a solid defender who puts a stop to the opposition's running game, and handles the pitching staff."
The Cougars will also enjoy having right-hander and Georgia State signee Jake Rogers back on the mound.
"Jake will anchor a staff that features a talented freshman class," Policastro said.
The Cougar coach admitted that his pitching staff is young, but is confident in their abilities. Still, the starting rotations will remain up for grabs.
"The group of freshman include lefty Hooper Mills, Grant Crosby, Corey Linz and Brandon Thompson, who are all competing for a spot in the rotation," he began. "The bullpen will have many questions as we continue to try to figure it out. Returnees Parker Cochran and Elijah Haynie are the only pitchers who have seen action from last year."
Homegrown talent for the Cougars includes standout Bradley Central pitchers Gunnar Norwood and Thompson and Haynie, who played at Walker Valley.
Policastro expects a productive lineup for the 2017 season
"Our lineup has the chance to be productive top to bottom because we have a balance of speed and power," the coach said. "We must put quality at bats together and minimize strike outs."
On Monday, the Cougars first game will be at 1 p.m., with the second game following at 3 p.m. The team hits the road for a trip to Barnesville, Ga. where they play Gordon State Community College on Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturday at noon.
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