Upperclassmen boost Richards baseball

The early returns are reason for the Richards High School baseball team to be optimistic.

The varsity roster has 14 players, including 12 upperclassmen.

The Panthers opened with a 15-4 loss to BVCHEA South HomeSchool and beat Apple Springs 13-2 on March 4 in what first-year head coach Will Autery called pre season games. They played error-free ball in the victory.

“I’m hoping for a good season,” he said. “We’re rich with upperclassmen. I’m hoping their leadership is going to get us over a little hump.”

Junior returnee Colton McCarthy and sophomore Rope Greenhaw, both righthanders, anchor the pitching staff of six. “I’m expecting them to pitch multiple innings,” the coach said.

McCarthy was an all-district pitcher last year. He struck out seven in a hitless two and one-third innings against Apple Springs.

New to the district, Greenhaw allowed one hit and struck out seven in three innings against Apple Springs, when he had two hits in three at-bats with one run batted in. “He’s showing some promise,” Autery said.

The only left-handed pitcher is senior Abby Fletcher, all-district honorable mention as a catcher last year. She is the starting catcher and “pitches in relief to give a change of pace and a change of angle,” the coach said.

Returnees Liam Wilson and Noah Bay solidify the infield. A junior, Wilson starts at third base after being a backup to a senior last year. Senior Bay plays first base and led the team with four RBIs. He had a double and triple in four at-bats and three RBIs in the win.

Senior returnee Tanner McCarthy leads the outfield, manning center, and topped the squad with five stolen bases.