Baseball team swings into season

The Outlaws baseball team returns four seasoned seniors to the squad, and they have hopes to defend their league title and make it five in a row this year.

Seniors Ben Larson, Justin Harrer, Jonathan Luz, and Cody Kreminski return for their final year. Larson plays outfield for the Outlaws and is a sure-handed fielder. Ben is left-handed and makes good contact when he hits the ball.

Harrer will be the Outlaws' No. 1 pitcher this season, and is able to throw a change-up, a fastball, and a curveball. Justin will also play at shortstop. He has great speed, runs the bases well, hits for power and average and can steal bases once he gets on.

"He can turn any ball hit in the gap into an extra base because of his speed," said Coach Steve Hodges.

Luz will play at shortstop, second base, and also see some time as pitcher. Jonathan is a great defensive player, is quick, and has great range in the field. He's also a threat on the base paths.

Kreminski rounds out the senior players. Cody will primarily play at first base, but might also see some time on the mound. Cody also hits for power and average, and the coaches expect a great year from him at the plate.

Alex Olivier is the Outlaws' only returning junior. Alex will play at centerfield, will do some pitching, and may even spend some time as catcher. Alex is a great runner, and a good base-stealer.

Two sophomores, Ryan Cook and Alec Gannon, are also back for another season. Cook will play at third base and in the outfield, and may see some time on the mound. Hodges noted that Cook is steadily improving and becoming a better hitter. Gannon will play in the outfield, and possibly in the infield. Alec is a left-handed hitter for the Outlaws and can put down the bunt.

New to the team this year are junior Connor Lake, and freshmen Zach Morgan and Odin Thorson. Lake will see time in the infield and also as pitcher. Connor broke two small bones in his foot while diving for a ball in practice and will be out for four weeks.

Morgan will primarily play third base. Zach is a powerful hitter and will also be in the Outlaws pitching rotation. Thorson will play in the outfield and pitch as a lefty for the team. Odin has great speed and is a good bunter.

Hayden Parsons, Jake Larson, Jonathan Bertagna, and Jacob Gurney will be swing players, and it's possible they will see some time on the varsity squad.

Hodges said, "There will definitely be competition for starting positions on the team. Nothing is set in stone. Our Arizona trip gives us a real indication of what our opening day league lineup will be."

The Outlaws will swing into action on Thursday, March 19, with a home game against Mt. View. A day later, they will play at home against Hidden Valley.