After falling one game short of reaching state last year, the Mount Vernon baseball team is looking to build on that success.
The Bulldogs will rely on a deep pitching staff and strong infield defense this year, and will look for some more consistent hitting, coach Danny Costa said.
“During the second half of last season, we played well and had a good run in the (district) tournament,” the coach said. “The kids were so close and it drove them to work hard in the off season.”
Leading the way on the mound will be senior Matt Woodard and junior Ryan Night — both of whom came on strong last season. Competing for the No. 3 starting position will be sophomore Daniel Barnet and seniors Brandon Mendoza and Michael Paez, the coach said.
On the defensive side of the field, Mount Vernon will return most of last year’s team. Standout Cam Taylor will return to shortstop for his senior year to help anchor the infield unit.
“He’s really worked on his hitting and has gotten a little bit stronger,” Costa said. “He was one of the better shortstops in our league last year.”
Colin Findley-Meyer (second base) and Corey Hughes (first base) will join the infield, while senior Derek White and junior Albe Gonzalez will be competing for third base duties.
Josh Etringer will again be behind the plate for the Bulldogs.
“His arm strength has improved since last year and he takes it personally if anything gets by him,” Costa said. “He’s tough to run on and he controls the pitching staff well.”
Roaming center field will be speedy senior Corey Kendrick — one of the team’s best hitters. Jeff Lavoy and Corey Larson will also be competing for outfield positions.
The group of athletes hope to regain their momentum from last year, but are looking for a different end result.
“We’re deep this year — our defense, our whole middle infield and our outfield will be pretty quick,” Costa said. “Our hitting last year was up and down. This year we have to change that in order to have success.”
