2017 Baseball Preview: Buffalo

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By Denise Tucker/For OzarksSportsZone.com

A 12-16 record may not sound like a successful season, but for the Buffalo Bison, it was.

The 12 victories in 2016 were the first double-digit wins the Bison had reached in several years. In addition, 2016 was the first time in about eight years that Buffalo picked up a district win – a 7-6 extra-inning victory over Eldon – before falling 6-1 to Bolivar in the Class 4 District 10 semifinals.

Eric Ingram, who is also the girls’ softball coach, is in his first season as head coach of the baseball team.

In 2016, the Bison finished 12-16 overall and 0-5 in the Central Ozark Conference-Small division, but have a large number of starters and lettermen returning for 2017.

“We have eight starters back off that team (2016), and look to make even more strides this year,” Ingram said.

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Buffalo did lose pitcher Tanner Cowin – 3-5 record, 3.35 earned run average – to graduation.

“Tanner had a good year on the mound for the Bison program,” Ingram said. “Although his record was only 3-5, he threw a lot of big games.”

Back for the Bison include starters:

*Austin Williams – senior – catcher/pitcher  – .398 batting average, 22 runs batted in; All-COC and all-district selection at catcher.

“Austin will spend most of his time behind the dish this year,” Ingram said. “He is a good hitter and getting better and more comfortable at the plate every day. We look for him to have a big year.”

*Parker Tyree – junior – infielder/pitcher – 2-2 record on the mound, one save, 1.0 ERA; .313 batting average with 11 stolen bases; All-COC and all-district as an infielder.

“Parker is probably our best pitcher and will spend a lot of time at shortstop,” Ingram said. “He has a good sense for the game and will be asked to do many things this year.”

*Colby Kramer – senior – outfielder/pitcher – .246 average with 10 RBIs and 9 SB.

“Colby spent last year in center field and will most likely be there again,” Ingram said. “We hope to get some innings out of him, as well, from the hill.”

*Billy McCune – junior – outfielder /pitcher – .253 average with 10 RBIs and 8 SB.

“Billy will play a corner outfield spot,” Ingram said. “He has the ability to have a breakout season. He and Kramer can cover a lot of ground.”

*Travis Clemmons – senior – outfielder/pitcher – 4-4 record, 4.4 ERA.

*Cody Anderson – junior – utility.

*Devin Sprague – senior – outfielder – .211 average with 13 RBIs.

Other returning lettermen include: Braden Mathews – junior – infielder; Seth Petersen – senior – infielder; Jared Gentry – junior – outfielder/pitcher; Tyler Gash – sophomore – infielder/pitcher; and Bradley Hosiner – sophomore – utility.

A couple of newcomers/lettermen that Ingram will be looking to include sophomores Gash and Hosiner.

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“Tyler will have an opportunity to spend more innings on the bump and play in the infield,” Ingram said. “He had a good summer and has a smooth way of playing the game.

“Bradley will play a role of secondary catcher and have a chance to play some infield and pitch, as well. He can also handle the bat and may be called on to DH some.”

Buffalo will be hosting a jamboree March 13 that will include Pleasant Hope and Wheatland, and will then open the season on the road on March 17 at Dadeville.

“We are looking forward to the upcoming season,” Ingram said. “Our program is on the rise and we have many experienced players returning to the lineup. Our program has not won a conference game in the past five seasons.

“Every game is going to be big for us. We have a chance to be above .500 this year, win a conference game or two, and (advance) in the district tourney. If we can stay healthy and have some timely hits, we have a chance to win each and every night.”

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