The gap between the Division IV contenders never felt wide as the 2023 regular season reached June.

 There were some familiar names amongst the contenders, and only three games separated the top seven teams in the division—each team featuring a pitcher that gave them a chance to win on any day against any opponent.

 That narrative played out over four tournament rounds as the Newmarket Mules won three one-run games on their way to a championship game victory over Littleton that ended with the Crusaders stranding the tying run in scoring position.

 The same contenders are back with excellent front-of-the-rotation pitching but with many new faces in pivotal roles. 

 “ I’ve been doing this for thirty-four years, and I’m not sure I can remember a time when there were more true aces at the front of the rotation,” said Colebrook head coach Tim Purrington.

 “ That kind of pitching talent usually leads to a lot of close games in the playoffs, and then you’re talking about a hit here or a misplay there that either ends or extends your season,” said longtime Littleton head coach AJ Bray.

 How pitching depth develops behind the best starters in the division will determine who the last team standing at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester in June is.

 Today, in our third of four baseball previews, we take a deep dive into the division.

 Our preview is brought to you by our longtime partners at White Mountains Community College.

 

 Pre-Season Top 10

1. Littleton

2. Newmarket

3. Woodsville

4. Derryfield

5. Gorham

6. Portsmouth Christian

7. Epping

8. Sunapee

9. Colebrook

10. Concord Christian

 Lurking outside the Top 10: Groveton, Mascenic Regional, Hinsdale, Pittsfield, Franklin, Wilton Lyndeborough, and Lin Wood.

 The Littleton Crusaders return eight starters from a 14-2 team that battled Newmarket until the final out of a 5-4 loss at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester.

 Longtime head coach AJ Bray and his team have moved on, but no temporary case of amnesia is available to erase the memory of a one-run loss in the Division IV championship game.

 "We had our chances, all the way until the last out., but we didn't make enough plays to win the game," said Bray. 

 "We didn't get off the bus for whatever reason. We made numerous mistakes that we don't usually make, which cost us in the end. We lost to a very good Newmarket team."

 The Crusaders go into the spring of 2024 as the favorites behind a team that can beat you with pitching, hitting, defense, and tournament experience. "There is no question the experience of those four playoff games will benefit us this season," said Bray. 

 Player of the Year candidate Blake Fillion returns after hitting .574 with 28 runs batted in last season 2023 Player Profile Page. 

 "Blake is a terrific player; he anchors our lineup," said Bray. "He comes from a baseball family, and he is our leader. He will communicate with his teammates about where to be defensively and has a high baseball IQ."

 The Crusaders ace is once again lefty Reece Cook, who went 7-0 with a sparkling 0.79 ERA last season. "Reece is crafty. He mixes his pitches well," said Bray. "We know we can put Reece on the mound against any of the best teams in our division, and he is going to deliver for us and keep us in the game."

 Ross Kelly returns to the mound after throwing 27 and ⅔ innings last season, earning a pair of wins. "Ross has a good fastball and has looked good throwing the ball in the pre-season."

 JP Perez is a hard-throwing starter/reliever who sported a team-low 0.70 ERA last season. "JP is a good shortstop/3rd baseman for us and a hard-throwing reliever. His experience from last year will only make him a better player this season."

 Cam Cook and Kyle Fuentes give Littleton a pair of catchers who can start behind the plate ("That is a real luxury to have," said Bray). At the same time, center fielder Grady Hadlock and infielder Bode Belyea will again play significant roles for the Crusaders.

 A pair of freshmen, Chase Fillion and Aury Perez, are expected to contribute immediately.

 "We don't have a true #2 starter, but we have a lot of pitching depth and pop up & down the lineup," said Bray. 

"Teams like Woodsbille, Gorham, and Colebrook are going to test you every time you take the field against them. For us, it's about focusing on doing all the little things that win you games, relaxing, and competing."

 The defending champion Newmarket Mules will be back in the mix this season, but they’ll be doing it with a lot of new faces after losing three all-state performers from last year’s team.

  Nick Nigro (.407 and 29 RBIs), Alex Dyer (.340 and 22 RBIs), and ace Graham Willerer (4-0 and 44 K’s) have all either graduated or moved on to other schools, leaving a good nucleus but some big question marks heading into the 2024 season.

 “ We have a lot of players capable of stepping in and pitching well for us, but at the same time, most of that group is comprised of pitchers who threw under ten innings for us last season,” said head coach Stan Jurkoic.

 “ I understand a lot of teams are coming for us, but we have a lot of new players stepping into significant roles,” said Jurkoic. “ We were slow out of the gate last season, and it all came together for us. We’ll have to see if we can do it again this season.”

  First basemen Parker Sweitzer returns as one of the best players in the division after hitting .421 with 21 RBIs last season.

 The all-state standout only recorded two outs last season as a pitcher but is one of several players who may see time on the mound this year. “ We will go by the committee after our number one starter, and Parker will certainly be in that mix,” said Jurkoic.

 “ Parker is a terrific player. He’s come a long way and worked hard to become the player he is. I watched him on the soccer field in the fall, and he became the best player on the basketball team this winter. He’s become a team leader for us,” said Jurkoic.

 John Schleider will be the Mules #1 starter after going 3-1 with 24 strikeouts last season. “ John is someone we can rely on,” said Jurkoic. “ He had a strong season for us last year and has looked good here in the pre-season.

 Cam Moran returns behind the plate after an all-state season that saw him bat .440 with 29 RBIs. “ It is key for us, having him behind the plate and working with our pitching staff. I coach my catchers hard, and he has always responded really well. He’s a huge asset for our team,” said Jurkoic.

 Matt Napoletano is another key returner after hitting .385 with 12 RBIs last season. 

 He will be joined in the lineup by Evan Sheehan, versatile sophomore Jack Prompadit, INF/P Nate Fleut, and talented freshman Jack Ferrelli, who started at third base and hit .265 with 16 RBIs as an eighth-grader last season.

 “ We have an opportunity to be a good baseball team; it’s going to be about gaining experience and getting better by the week,” said Jurkoic.

  The Woodsville Engineers were the lower-seeded team no one wanted to face in the tournament, all the way to the last out of a 2-1 quarterfinal loss to top-seed Gorham.

 The Engineers featured all-state pitcher Mike Hogan, and their losses came to Vermont power Blue Mountain, Littleton, Gorham, Division III champion White Mountains, and a thirteen-win Colebrook team.

 One year later, head coach Brent Cox hopes his team is ready to become the higher-seeded team no one wants to face in the tournament.

 “ I’m excited about the potential of this team, especially if we can ever get outside on a field,” joked Cox as his team practiced in a gym small enough to be a racquetball court. “ We are faster than we were a year ago, and I like how the pitching is coming together behind Mike.”

 Hogan, committed to pitch for Colby Sawyer next year, returns after having a 3.02 ERA against the toughest teams on the Woodsville schedule. “ He started to own the mound as the season went along,” said Cox. 

“ He has stepped up as a leader and given us a true number one starter.”

 Jacob Putnam is one of the team’s most improved players (“He put in the work over the off-season,” said Cox) and will be joined in the rotation by a pair of all-state basketball players’ Landon Kingsbury and Ryan Walker.

 “Landon has looked good in the pre-season, while Ryan has really come along and gives us a lefty for teams to contend with.”

 Walker is a player to watch. The sophomore hit .513 last season while knocking in 13 runs.

 Center fielder Jack Boudreault returns after hitting .396 with 14 RBIs last season and is joined in a potent up-the-middle defense by catcher Jayden Greene. 

“ Defense should be a strength of this team,” said Cox. “ Last year, our issue was that we could never seem to get the big hit with runners in scoring position. We’re looking to change that this season.”

 Newcomers Ethan Kimball and Colby Youngman are coming along quickly, while Cox says a good group of sophomores can crack the starting lineup.

 “ We have one of the best teams in Vermont and the defending Division III champions on our schedule, along with some really strong teams here in the North Country, so nothing is going to come easy,” said Cox. 

 “ I like the make-up of this group, and they are excited to compete this season.”

 Kevin Gray takes over as head coach as Derryfield begins their last season in Division IV before a move to Division III next season.

 Coming off a 14-2 season that ended with a 4-3 loss to eventual champion Newmarket in the quarterfinals, the Cougars are not shying away from their goal of going out on top of the division.

 “ It’s not a goal we discuss every day, but it’s also not something we should shy away from either,” said Gray. “ This team has a ton of potential, and they have come into the season extremely motivated.”

 Derryfield lost all-state standout John McDevitt but returns four of its top five pitchers and its top four (batting average) hitters from a year ago.

 Player of the Year candidate Alex Comire leads the way after hitting .386 with 12 runs batted last season. “ Alex has all the tools,” said Gray. “ He hits for power and is terrific defensively.”

 Owen Clemans hit .408 with 12 RBIs last season, while Jack Steward (.388 and 19 RBIs), Zach Martin (.302 and 10 RBIs), Nate Boudreau (.381), Aiden Moavenian, and impressive freshmen Keith Townsend give the Cougars as much depth up and down the lineup as any team in the division.

 “ I love the depth of our starting nine,” said Gray. “ Owen is a leadoff type of hitter who gives us early juice in the lineup.”

 Ryan Jukes ("Ryan is a great teammate and brings good vibes,” said Gray) and Max Larson ( "Max is a toolsy player and wants to learn the nuances of the game. Does a fine job concentrating on what he can control,” said Gray) are also expected to contribute immediately.

 Jack Lewis and Rachael Irving will both see time behind the plate for a rotation that will be led by returning starters Casey Peters (2.42 ERA and 19 strikeouts), Comire (4-0, 2.45 ERA, and 29 K’s), and Zach Martin (2-0).

 “ Alex is the guy who sets the table for us as far as our pitching staff,” said Gray. “ You’re going to need depth in pitching when facing the best teams in the division, and we feel confident we have that with this group.”

 “ It’s a dream job for me, and the attitude and effort level I’ve seen so far—it’s just been terrific,” said Gray. “We are excited to get started.”

 The Gorham Huskies, led by two of the best pitchers in the division, finished the regular season 15-1 before dropping a 4-3 decision to eventual champion Newmarket in the semifinals.

 Peter Girouard's team returns seven starters, but how they replace the two aces they sent to the mound every other game is the big question going into the 2024 season.

 "Those are two very big shoes to fill," acknowledges Girourad. "Landyn Croteau and Chase Carder were two of the best players in our division. We have a group of players looking to step into more significant roles and a solid nucleus returning."

 Leading the Huskies is all-state standout Isaac Langlois, who batted .482 last season while knocking in 27 runs. "Isaac is a very good hitter and has become a leader on this team," said Girouard.

 Langlois will join Jack Saladino at the top of the rotation.

 Saladino fanned 28 batters and did not allow an earned run in 12 ⅔ innings last season, so the cupboard isn't exactly bare. "Jack and Isaac will be sort of a #1 and #1a for us at the top of the rotation, and they give us the confidence that we can beat any team we face with them on the mound."

 Kasey Guilmette returns after hitting .316 last season and will play shortstop, while Kody Lemieux-Thibadeau will play first base as he continues to battle a shoulder injury. "Kody is still building up from his injury," said Girouard. "We want his bat and glove in the lineup defensively."

 Gavin Corrigan stepped behind the late when starter Anthony Pizzuto went out with an injury and is expected to be the starting catcher from day one. "He has improved, and his ability to step in and play last season was big for us."

 Brendan Saladino returns to the lineup after knocking in 13 runs last season. At the same time, Mason Roberge ("He has had a good pre-season for us," said Girouard) and freshmen Cooper Ladd (grandson of the legendary Butch Ladd) are all expected to contribute immediately.

 "We lost not only our two best pitchers but also our number three, four, and five hitters, so there is a challenge ahead of us," said Girouard. "This is a group that works well together, and we have a lot of key contributors returning."

 "Last year, we won a lot of lopsided games. This year, we will have to work harder to produce runs.”

 "There are some excellent teams in the North Country, so we'll have to be ready to go from day one."

  Derek Summers’ Portsmouth Christian Eagles return the core group from an 11-5 season in 2023. 

 The potential for a tournament run is there this season; it’s just that the hill got a little steeper over the off-season.

 Sophomore Cai Summers (.500 BA with 17 RBIs) will be back in the Eagles lineup but unable to pitch as he continues to rehab from a shoulder injury. 

 Summers was 3-2 last season with 42 strikeouts and a 2.41 ERA.

 In addition, C/IF Landon Hasty tore his ACL during basketball season and will be unavailable.

 “ It’s a tough situation, but we are managing the rehab, and Cai is still able to swing the bat,” said Summers of his son, who will play first base. 

“ We were looking forward to having two aces at the top of our rotation. Going forward, we will have one of the best pitchers in our division and a ‘by committee’ approach to the rest of the staff.”

 Kian Littlefield returns to the mound after an all-state season a year ago, during which he went 5-2 with a 1.50 ERA and 45 strikeouts. “ He’s phenomenal,” said Summers. “ He has worked very hard over the off-season and come in ready to go. He gives you a chance to win against every team in our division.”

 “We will have several different players take turns on the mound, and as the season goes along, we will see who settles into their roles,” said Summers. 

 Freshmen Grady Howe is expected to step in and contribute immediately (“He has a lot of power at the plate. He is going to help us right away,” said Summers) along with sophomores Brayden Leland and Andrew Earwood.

 PCA will be led defensively by shortstop/CF Isaac Kohl and outfielder Jason Ludwig.

 “I think we will be better offensively this season,” said Summers. “ Our downfall last season was that we struggled against good pitching. The big question is how we pitch after Kian, but it’s not like we just got hit with this. We knew there was a good chance Cai could not pitch, so we need to adjust.”

 “We have a lot of confidence as a group. It’s about stepping into bigger roles and coming together as a team.”

 Depth at the top of the rotation will be the strength of the Epping Blue Devils, who may make the biggest climb up the standings under first-year head coach Nick Niles.

 “We feel like we have three #1 starters, and that is a huge advantage for any team,” said Niles. “ It’s a group of pitchers we have a lot of confidence in.”

 Nate Gallant returns as the group's hard-throwing leader and is joined at the top of the rotation by Dylan Dulong and Dylan Cummings. “ Dylan (Dulong) has become a leader for us, just with his presence and attitude.”

 “ Dylan (Cummings) might be our hardest throwing pitcher, and his energy gives us a lift.”

 All three will be threats at the plate and will be joined in the lineup by infielder Grayson Davis, #2 hitter Danny Ciriello, and catcher Seth Lecuyer.

 Troy Coleman has improved the velocity of his fastball and will play a key role in the Blue Devils bullpen.

 “ We have eleven seniors on the roster, so there is a level of focus you don't see very often,” said Niles. “ This is their last time around, and they want to make the most of it.”

 “ We have focused on fundamentals and defense—aspects that are going to win and lose you games,” said Niles. “ The attitudes and the effort levels have been excellent, and we are excited to compete.”

 The theme of this preview is finding depth in your pitching staff on the days your ace is not on the hill.

 Tom Frederick’s Sunapee Lakers are a perfect example as we head into the 2024 season. 

 The Lakers feature one of the best pitchers in the division; how the staff fills in around him will tell you if the Lakers can get back to the semifinals and beyond this season.

 “ We lost seven seniors, so how the underclassman step up into more significant roles will be a big factor in our success this year,” said Frederick.

“ Our upperclassmen have taken on the leadership role, which has led to some good practices early on.”

  All-state pitcher Finn Flint returns after going 5-0 with a Division IV-leading 0.21 ERA last season. “ He is unflappable on the mound,” said Frederick. “ He is one of the players who has also stepped up as a leader.”

 “ We are going to depend on his production at the plate as well,” said Frederick. “ He’s just an excellent all-around player.”

 Brock Kangas returns after going 2-0 last season and will step into a more significant role this season, as will sophomore Sam Gaudet. “ We have five different players who can pitch, so we will identify who our #2 starter is as the season goes along,” said Frederick.

 Center fielder Ben Gross has battled injuries but is expected to contribute after knocking in 18 runs last season, while catcher Ian McNally returns behind the plate after hitting .353 last season.

 “Ian came on strong last season for us and hit the ball well,” said Frederick. “Ben is someone we know we can depend on when he is in the lineup.”

 Sophomore Eben Berube’s versatility will enable Frederick to play him in the field at several positions, while senior Gabe Olin will also contribute immediately.

 “ It will be a process. We lost a lot of good players and our assistant coach, Billy Austin, so there will be an adjustment,” said Frederick. “ We’re focused on doing the little things right and getting better by the week.”

 Tim Purrington begins his 34th year as head coach of the Colebrook Mohawks with a true #1 starter and enough hitting to have them squarely in the conversation once again.

 “ We have a chance to beat anyone when we have Kolten (Dowse) on the mound, and I’m confident our bats will get going as the weather warms up and the season goes on,” said Purrington.

 “Can we score four or five runs against the top-end pitchers in our division? That’s the biggest question mark going into the season.”

 Kolten Dowse, coming off an all-state season in basketball, is one of the best two-way players in the division and leads a pitching staff that will include brothers Dylan and Brody Dauphinais. 

 “Kolten has the experience and confidence to face any lineup in our division,” said Purrington. “He had a really strong summer both pitching and at the plate, and I think he is set up to have a great season for us.”

 “Dylan has looked good and is coming along well,” said Purrington. “ We need pitching depth so players will have their opportunity.”

 Jack Kyller will start at first base, while Bryson Fogg and Jackson Weir are expected to contribute immediately.

 “ We have a good group. It is about finding out who we can rely on and players stepping into bigger roles,” said Purrington. “They’re excited to get started.”

 Concord Christian will need to replace three starters from last year's 14-2 team that was upset by Mascenic Regional in the first round.

 The Kingsmen, who have one senior and one junior on the roster, will be one of the youngest teams in the division but still a threat to make noise in June. 

"We have been building up the program to the point where the expectation is we are in the tournament every season," said head coach Mike Syvertson, who begins his eighth season as head coach.

 "We have a lot of players who will be stepping up into more significant roles, but we are excited about our potential."

 TJ Charbono gives the Kingsmen a true #1 on the mound and the chance to compete with any team in the division. "He is one of the top pitchers in the division," said Syvertson. "He throws 77-78 mph, has a good curveball, and has worked on his change-up over the off-season."

 Junior Zach Syvertson returns to the starting lineup and will be the team's #2 starter. "Zach gained a lot of experience last season. He mixes his pitches well and has a good feel for the game."

 Sophomore Connor Faherty, third baseman Noah Wittenberg, and talented freshman Daniel Stopyro will immediately contribute. 

"We have good pitching, which should keep us in games early in the season," said Syvertson. 

"We will play more small ball than we did a year ago because we will need to manufacture runs, but there is a lot of potential to be excited about."

 "We have a lot of good young talent. Now it's about coming together as a team."

 If there is a sleeper team in the North Country, Groveton is a prime candidate to fill the role.

 David Blanco's team returns all but two players from last season's playoff team and hopes to take the next step this season.

"We are expecting good things this season," said Blanco. "We have a good nucleus that returns from last season. The focus is on building up the endurance of our pitchers and improving as a team."

 "We are a basketball school, so a lot of our players don't pick up a baseball eight months a year. That means we have some catching up to do."

 Ashton Kenison and Kaden Cloutier will begin the season at the front of the Eagles rotation and will be joined on the pitching staff by Dylan Simino and Konner Shannon.

 "Ashton has a lot of potential with all his size (6'4) and the fact that he's a lefty," said Blanco. "He can wreak havoc on opposing base runners."

 Shannon, Cloutier, and talented freshman Hunter Parks will lead the Eagles hitters. "Hunter has really impressed me in the pre-season," said Blanco. "He has good power at the plate and a strong arm in the field."

 Groveton was dealt a blow during the winter when starting third baseman Brody Platt was lost for the season due to a leg injury. "I'm very disappointed for him, but we hope to have him back next season."

  Brocton Meunier and sophomore Marcus Pelletier, who led the team in hitting last season as a freshman, will contribute immediately.

 "We lost a couple of close games last season that we felt should have closed out," said Blanco. "The goal is to take that experience and turn those results around this season."

 The Mascenic Regional Vikings will not only replace five graduated seniors but their head coach, as former Alvirne and Merrimack College standout Travis Terril takes over the program.

 "We have a lot of young talent but not a ton of experience," said Terril. "We are still coming together as a team early on in the season, so there will be some growing pains, but I like our group and their attitude in practice every day."

 Talented freshman Tallan Rosenlund is expected to contribute immediately, both on the mound and at the plate. "He has a poise and a command of his pitches that you don't see from a lot of players his age," said Terril. "He is going to step in and help us right away."

 Right fielder Quinn Krook returns to the middle of the Vikings lineup after hitting .538 and knocking in 12 runs last season and will be joined in the lineup by Lucas Leroux (.438 and 9 RBIs last season), TJ Edgar (.333 and 8 RBIs), Logan Lucas and catcher Brady Kivela.

 "As a new coach, every player knows the season starts with a blank slate, so we treat every day in the gym or on the field as a competition," said Terril. "Everyone has an opportunity to earn a spot in the lineup."

 The Vikings have a strong sophomore class that will compete for playing time and a good freshmen class that bodes well for the short-term future of the program.

 "Our lack of experience could be an issue, but they are working hard to get better and understand there will be bumps in the road," said Terril. 

 Mike Pogue takes over a Lin Wood Lumberjack team with only one senior on the roster after making the playoffs a year ago. 

 "We are going to be very young this season, but there is a lot of talent amongst the underclassmen," said Pogue. "The future looks very bright. Right now, it's about gaining experience and players finding out their role on the team."

 Colt Southard, who threw 12 ⅔ innings last season, Kyle Goodbout, and Liam Manning will get an opportunity to front the pitching staff early in the season. 

 "Kyle did not get a lot of experience last season, but he has come into the year throwing the ball very well," said Pogue. "Liam is a good athlete and someone we plan to bring along slowly on the mound."

 Manning is the team's leading returning hitter after hitting .316 with 13 RBIs last season. He will be joined in the lineup by shortstop Kacen Burrows, Dan Halloran, and talented freshman Gideon Wright.

 "We can make a little noise," said Pogue. "It starts with our pitching. We need to get the reps in to gain experience, but I see us being a good hitting team, and the defense is improving."

 "We have some very strong teams on our schedule, so we'll need to improve as the season progresses. I'm excited to see what kind of team we can become."

 The youth movement is underway at Hinsdale, where more than 50% of the roster will consist of freshmen and 8th graders. “ This is the youngest team I can remember,” head coach Sam Kilelee said.

 “ We’re focusing on doing the little things right and improving daily.”

 Junior John Winter will be the team’s #1 starter and will be joined on the pitching staff by Trey Corey and Ryan Sweetser, who has the most experience after pitching 10 ⅓ innings last season.

 “ Ryan has good control, and the experience he gained last season will make him a better pitcher,” said Kilelee. 

 With no seniors on the roster (Brayden Eastman, who started last season, did not come out for the team this season), the underclassmen-led lineup will be led by Trace Tetrault (.340 and 6 RBIs last season), Winter, Corey (.375 and 9 RBIs), Connor Dixon, and Sweetser.

 “ Between our lack of experience and the weather, it will take us some time to come together.“

 “ Our goal is to get back to the playoffs, and I believe we can be there in the end,” said Kilelee.

 The Franklin Golden Tornadoes will look to get back to the playoffs behind a good returning nucleus. 

 "We are ahead of where we were a year ago, " head coach Kyle Kaplan said. "With fifteen players on the team, you'll need everyone to contribute, so building our depth and good practice habits are the focus right now."

 Junior Hunter LeBlanc and sophomore Brayden Turner will lead the pitching rotation. "We don't have a true number one starter, but we have depth, and several players are going to get their opportunity to earn innings," said Kaplan.

 "We had a scrimmage against Winnisquam, and I was happy with the way our pitchers performed," said Kaplan. 

 Harrison Kaplan was the Golden Tornadoes top hitter a year ago and will be joined in the lineup by Nathan Holmes, Cody Williams, second baseman Kourtney Kaplan (who hit .327 last season), and catcher Owen Hannigan, who returns after not playing last season.

 "Having Owen behind the plate is huge for us," Kaplan said. "He works well with the pitching staff and protects the plate well."

 Franklin should have good power in the middle of the lineup behind Tyler Bennett and Matt Nason. At the same time, freshman Thomas Nason is expected to contribute immediately.

 "We have a lot of speed in the outfield, and we have the potential to be a good team defensively," said Kaplan.

 "We felt we were better than our record indicated last year, but you have to close out games and make the key plays. That's what we are focused on doing this season," said Kaplan.

 Wilton Lyndeborough hopes to make the climb up the standings and back into the playoffs with the return of ten players under second year head coach Paul Levesque.

 “ Year two has been a much smoother and more productive pre-season for us,” said Levesque. “ We began winter workouts right after the first of January, and the kids have been dedicated to improving.”

  All-state pitcher/1B JJ Benson returns to the front of the rotation along with freshman Daxtin Richard, who is expected to make an immediate impact. 

 “ We have good pitching depth and experience returning to the lineup,” said Levesque. “ Last year, our issues were scoring runs. We want to get ahead of teams this year.”

 Trevor Sullivan, one of the team’s top hitters, and Colby Collins return to the lineup along with Jacob Phillips and Ty Collins. “ We have three players who will see time behind the plate at catcher,” said Levesque. “That’s obviously a real luxury to have.”

 A pair of underclassmen, Jason Caragher and Jaryd Clark, are also expected to contribute immediately.

 “ We are very excited to get started,” said Levesque. “ We’ve been able to hit the ground running this pre-season, and you can see the improvement in this team day to day.”
 

Coming Thursday: Division III