Young Charleroi baseball to feature much deeper team
The Charleroi Cougars baseball team is a work in progress again this year.
Last season, the team took its lumps as it finished 1-18, but eight players who were at least part-time starters return.
“We are still very young, and with the new kids, I haven't been able to see them do much,” second-year coach Luke Mollis said. “We merely want to get better, but we could be a sleeper (in the section).”
Leading the way of returning players who have experience are three seniors: pitcher and first baseman Zach Nabozny, center fielder Gunnar Riley, and first baseman David Young.
Riley is moving to the outfield after playing shortstop last season.
Juniors back with experience include Josh Sidary, who will pitch and see time at first base, and Matt Szerszen, who will play right field and also pitch.
Sophomore Jake Laskey returns behind the dish while classmates Matt DeMoss and Jake Watkins will play second base and third base although Mollis hasn't decided which will be at what position yet.
Senior Matt Freeman and freshman Josiah Fisher will both see time in left field and possibly on the mound, while freshman Josh Mavilla could spell Laskey behind the plate.
Freshmen Sam Miceli and Marcus Posson will be in the running at shortstop, and Watkins could move there if need be.
Miceli could also see time on the mound, and could sophomore Sam Pager, who also could play some first base.
Sophomore Christian Pergola and freshman Errict Tedrow could see time at second base.
With so many players in the running for playing time, Mollis will have more choices to make this season.
“We have a lot more options and depth at all positions compared to last year,” he said. “Yes, we are still young, but we are bigger and stronger than we were last year and we are much deeper.”
Mollis mentioned the keys to the season.
“Defense and pitching are the biggest keys,” he said. “Our defense killed us last year.
“If we make the routine plays, our defense and pitching could keep us in games this season. If we throw strikes and the fielders make plays when the ball is hit to them, we will be in the games.”
Charleroi will look to end a 16-game section losing streak that dates back to the 2012 season, and Mollis feels that Section 2 AA will be balanced.
“There are always some good teams in the section,” Mollis said. “If we play like I think we can, we can compete.”
The other teams in the section include Bentworth, Beth-Center, Brownsville, Burgettstown, Chartiers-Houston, Fort Cherry, and Washington.
The Cougars open up against McGuffey in an exhibition game at Consol Energy Park in Washington Saturday.
