Washburn eyes return to playoffs
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
Preview
WASHBURN — Ben Goodwin got his first taste of playoff baseball last year as coach of the Washburn Beavers, and he’d love another opportunity this spring.
Contributed photo/jMavor Photography
THE STRETCH — Michael Ericson, first baseman for the Washburn Beavers, catches the ball to retire a Fort Fairfield baserunner during last Tuesday’s game. The Tigers won, 11-9.
After not qualifying his first five seasons, Goodwin’s Beavers made the post-season as the 11th seed in Eastern Maine Class D. Even though his team was eliminated in the preliminary round by No. 6 Woodland, the coach feels pitching and defense could help carry the team back into the chase for the playoffs.
“Those are our strengths,” said Goodwin. “We lost some good hitting, but I have been working them hard in that aspect, trying to get rid of some bad habits in their swings.”
Washburn will miss three key players in Anthony Viola, Kyle McLaughlin and Jordan McLaughlin. Viola had the ability to play multiple positions, Kyle McLaughlin was the starting catcher and Jordan McLaughlin was what Goodwin called “an offensive powerhouse,” as evidenced by his .444 batting average, five home runs and 31 RBIs.
Despite those key losses, Goodwin said preseason workouts went “better than I expected.”
The Beavers are counting heavily on their three seniors — Nick Bragg, Justin Farley and Andrew McLaughlin — to provide the necessary leadership for another solid campaign.
Goodwin’s starting lineup to begin the season included freshman Parker Thompson behind the plate, sophomore Michael Ericson at first base, sophomore Noah Farley at second, junior Keagan Page at third and freshman Noah Caron at shortstop.
From left to right in the outfield are junior Chandler Dobson, Bragg and sophomore Ryker Bartlett.
Others on the team are junior Anthony Singletary and freshmen Justin Davis, Carter Doak and Brandon Farley.
“We will look to improve on our 11th seed from last year and try to turn some heads in the post-season,” Goodwin said.
