By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Hartville Eagles have shown what they can do in the fall.
Now, the Eagles want to do it when district and state championships are on the line in the spring.
Coming off back-to-back fall seasons of 15 or more wins, Hartville looks to carry that momentum over to the 2021 spring season.
“We are very excited about this spring,” said Hartville coach Clint Horn. “We were fortunate to play fall baseball the last two seasons, so our guys have gotten some games together.
“Last spring we had high expectations… and the expectations are the same this year.”
The Eagles posted a combined record of 33-6 in the 2019 and 2020 fall seasons.
Hartville’s calling card under Horn has been its defense and pitching, thanks in part to having a roster of multi-sport athletes.
“We have been fortunate to have very versatile, athletic guys. Pitching and defense should be a plus again,” Horn said. “Our pitching is deep and we have 12 guys that we’re comfortable with at the plate and in the field.
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“We also have some speed on the bases, which helps us keep the pressure on the opposing defense.”
Evangel commit Eli Cook returns behind the plate. He’s started since his freshman year and will hit lead-off this year.
Last fall, Cook had 30 steals, 26 total hits and 22 RBIs.
“He’ll set the tone each game for us,” Horn said.
Braden Branstetter (pitcher/utility) has also started since his freshman year. He’ll be the team’s No. 2 pitcher, hit near the top of the lineup and can play other positions in the field as well.
Branstetter went 4-1 with a 1.93 ERA in the 2020 fall season.
Ryce Piper (IF/P), another four-year starter, will move from second base to shortstop this spring. He’ll hit in the middle of the lineup and can also pitch.
Piper (.477 average) led Hartville in batting average last fall.
Junior utilityman Eric Wilson has made varsity contributions since his freshman year.
He’s done a little bit of everything – pinch ran, defensive sub, relief pitcher – but will start in center field this year. He’ll also continue his role as a relief pitcher.
“He’s a very athletic kid who can make things happen when he gets on base,” Horn said.
The Eagles have a rising star in sophomore pitcher Brody McNiel.
McNiel’s already receiving Division I offers. He was dominant last fall, going 8-0 with a 0.32 ERA. He also hit .414 with 10 extra-base hits and 26 RBIs.
Like he did the past two fall seasons (2019 and 2020), McNiel will again hit in the 3-hole for Hartville.
“He’s an all-around, complete baseball player,” Horn said.
The Eagles had posted three straight winning seasons heading into 2020, including district titles in 2018 and 2017.
The Eagles lost three seniors from their potential 2020 spring lineup. All three are now playing college baseball.
Shortstop Holton Simmons (Evangel) was a four-year starter and the team’s leadoff hitter.
Caleb Moore (pitcher) was the team’s ace pitcher. He’s now playing at Three Rivers College.
“Caleb gave us a chance to win every time he took the mound,” Horn said.
Defensive standout Tucker Dedmon (OF/P) is continuing his career at North Central (Mo.) Community College in Trenton.
“Tucker was the best defensive outfielder I’ve ever coached and his presence will be missed,” Horn said.
Hartville has several more juniors and underclassmen to fill in the gaps.
Hunter Lowery (2B/P) will be a starting pitcher and play second base when he’s not on the mound.
Isaac Boyer (OF) brings good athleticism to right field.
“Isaac has the versatility to play any outfield or infield spot,” Horn said. “He’s an athletic kid with good speed.”
Justin Parker (DH/P) will pitch and can also DH when needed.
Jacob Ballard will play a utility role off the bench.
“We’ll ask Jacob to come in and pinch hit or take a defensive spot late in the game,” Horn said.
Sophomores to watch include Kolton Cogdill (DH/UTL) and Rory Kirkpatrick (1B/3B).
“Kolton is a strong athletic kid that will compete for a starting role,” Horn said. “He is also a great asset off the bench because of his speed and versatility.”
Kirkpatrick will likely start at a corner infield spot. He’s already one of the team’s better hitters.
“He has power and athleticism, which makes him a viable threat for us,” Horn said.
Freshman Grant Culver (OF) was a defensive starter for Hartville in the fall and will have a similar role this spring.
With many players contending for a second straight state championship on Hartville’s basketball team, the Eagles won’t play in a jamboree.
Instead, Hartville will open the regular season at the Purdy Tournament, which runs March 22-26.
Hartville’s home opener is March 29 against Mountain Grove.
