Baker softball preview

“Our pitching will be our strength,” said Baker coach Al McCauley.

“Having the depth we do. All three of our pitchers have increased their speed 3-to-4 miles per hour over last year.”

Those three hurlers are Tori Brown, Mackenzie Srack and Darryn McCauley.

Brown was a first-team all-Greater Oregon League selection a year ago. Srack received all-league honorable mention.

Catcher Becca Joseph, a second-team all-GOL pick, is the lone senior on the Bulldogs roster.

When not pitching Brown and Srack will share time at first base. Jessi Stephens moves from third base to second base. Laura Wilson takes over for the graduate Tara Talbott at shortstop. McCauley anchors third.

Aubree Shepherd is penciled in in right field, Morgan Johnson in center and either Sierra Howerton or Danielle Freese in left.

McCauley was a first-team infielder, and Johnson a first-team designated hitter a year ago. Stephens was a second-team utility player.

“The spine of our defense has taken an overhaul,” Coach McCauley said.

The Bulldogs lost Talbott,  second baseman Andi Wilson and center fielder Savannah Daly to graduation.

“Jessi has made a nice adjustment to second,” McCauley said. “Morgan Johnson, who replaced Daly, has good speed.

“Defensively, we’re going to be sound. Our hitting needs the most work; hitting against live pitching.

“What I like about this crew is that every girl but one can play multiple positions,” McCauley said.

The Baker coach said the Bulldogs are a deep, versatile group, including 19 freshmen.

“We had 19 try out and finished up with 15,” McCauley said.

In fact the program had so many freshmen a frosh/soph team has been added, coached by JV coach Jim Howerton.

McCauley said the Bulldogs are ahead of most years because of the better weather.

“We’ve been on the field since Day 1,” he said. “We’re ahead of the game in that respect.”