By Chris Parker
Wheaton has improved its win total in each of the past two seasons. The Bulldogs are looking to extend that streak to three with seven starters returning this season.
“I think we will be a no excuse type of team,” Wheaton head coach Nathan Jones said. “We have put in a ton of effort in maturing as a team and understanding everything isn’t going to go our way and we can’t control the other team. We just have to control the controllables and produce the best outcomes we can.”
Riley Roller (senior), Bodie Lauderdale (junior), Brody Bateman (junior), Mitchell Shockley (junior) and Logan Bratting (junior) will all pitch. Brattin and Lauderdale will also catch.
The infield will feature Roller at third base, Bateman at shortstop, Kaman Kinnaman (freshman) at second base and Casen Bolton (sophomore) at first base.
Roller hit .379 with 14 RBI to go with a 2-3 record on the mound. Bateman had a .463 batting average and a 2.38 ERA last season. Bolton had nine RBI last season.
Senior Evan Pyle will lead the outfield in center. Shockley will be in left and sometimes center. Junior Senji Chang, sophomore Matt Young and freshman Jayden Eggleston will be in contention for time in right field.
Pyle had a .458 on-base percentage with 3 stolen bases last season. Shockley stole five bases a 1-2 record on the mound.
Jones has liked the buy-in he has seen from his team.
“I think as a team last fall and all winter we had guys really buy in to what we were trying to do as a program,” Jones said. “They have all put in great hours off the field and in the weight room to improve all the areas of their abilities which lead to us having a successful fall and into this spring.”
Roller will be a key leader.
“Riley (Roller) is our leader on and off the field,” Jones said. “He is the type of guy that isn’t afraid to tell guys when they need to pick their energy and effort up. He is someone that everyone looks to when things go wrong to right the ship. Him, along with Juniors Brody Bateman and Logan Brattin, will be who keeps our team in the right mindset all year long.”
Wheaton opens the season on Mar. 19 at home against Galena.
“I think if we build off our positive steps from the fall into the spring I believe we can be one of the best teams in our district this year,” Jones said. “It will be up to us to go out on the field and prove it.”
