Hornet baseball loaded with youth
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
ASHLAND — The Hornet baseball team is off to a slow start, but a victory over Class C Madawaska Thursday has the squad in contention for a playoff spot as the midway point of the season draws near.
Contributed photo/Dave Allen Graphics
HORNET Zack Carr guns down a baserunner from third base during a recent game. Carr is one of three freshmen who start.
Ashland hosted Washburn Tuesday and is home against Limestone-MSSM this afternoon, taking a 1-5 record into those contests.
The team was blanked by Wisdom, 13-0, in its most recent game played Monday. Still, the team is in 13th place in Eastern Maine Class D, with the top 12 qualifying for the playoffs.
“We need to improve defensively and limit our walks and extra outs,” said coach Dan Cote.
Last year’s team went 3-12 and missed out on the playoffs. Four players return from the 2012 roster, including junior Tyler Chasse, who is Ashland’s No. 1 pitcher, sophomore catcher Cody Blair, sophomore center fielder Michael Cook and sophomore second baseman Jeremy Caron.
New to the team and starting at first base is junior Nick Belanger, as is sophomore right fielder Lane Deabay.
The other three slots in the lineup have been claimed by freshmen. Zack Carr has earned the third base job, Timmy Tarr plays shortstop and Malcolm Milligan is in left field.
Freshman Alex Gillis is a reserve and will see time in the outfield. The only senior is backup outfielder Zack Porter.
“We’re definitely young, but we still hope to finish around .500 and make a playoff appearance,” Cote said.
Blair, Cook, Belanger and Tarr are expected to back up Chasse on the mound.
Tony Baker is the assistant coach and Jasmine Clark and Cassidy Goulet are managers.
