The Liberty Eagles are known for being rife with athletes, and this year’s baseball team includes many. The team looks to improve on last season with the experienced competitors they bring to the table.
The Eagles lost close contests last year by one run to Alton, Seymour, Salem, and Bakersfield that would have improved their 8-11 final record, but the team also had some good wins. Beating state-ranked Neelyville in the Dora tournament and topping Houston in the opening round of district play were special wins, said head coach Allen Hedden.
Their season ended in the second round of district play against Mountain Grove, the eventual winners of the SCA and district tournament.
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Mountain View loses Jansen Acklin and Joey Rodriguez to graduation. Acklin batted at the top of the order and played centerfield, and was a strong contact hitter with a .328 batting average. He was also named to the first team All-SCA team as an outfielder. Rodriguez played third base and had a .286 batting average.
But the team also returns many experienced players.
“I think our pitching staff is deep and has a chance to be a really good one,” Hedden said. “Several of our players have been starters since their freshman year. We look for that experience and leadership to give us a chance to have a great season this year.”
The pitching crew includes senior standout Cale Cornman, who will also be playing football at Missouri Western next year. A four-year starter, Cornman was named all-state as a catcher and first team all-conference last year as a pitcher and is his team’s go-to guy in both positions.
His 1.91 ERA and .553 batting average led the team. Three-year starter and All-SCA senior Corbin Dewick also returns as a solid contact hitter, batting .551 last season. He plays centerfield, pitches and catches when Cornman is pitching.
Senior Dakota Millard will serve as number two on the mound, and the all-conference infielder also batted .458 last season. The four-year starting shortstop will hit from the clean-up position. Sophomore Koel Orchard will also be in the pitching rotation following a 3.00 ERA last season and will also be leadoff batter.
Other returning upperclassmen include senior Zach Hielig in outfield and junior Devin Hedden at first base. Tyler Renshaw will miss his junior season due to injury. Tyler Dewick joined the team late last year, and the sophomore is expected to play third base and catch.
The Eagles also welcome newcomers. Coltin Foster, freshman, will compete for a starting position. Sophomore A.J. Foster is expected to start at second base, and sophomore Riky Williams will bring speed to the team and serve as a catcher. Junior Zach Williams is expected to add depth to the pitching staff.
“We are excited about the upcoming season,” Hedden said. “We know that our conference and district are some of the toughest in the state and we look forward to the challenge.”
