Ben Whitehead
MARLOW — Most coaches would be concerned with the fact that none of his players returning are seniors. But Marlow baseball coach Brook Holding has a slightly different outlook on his team.
The Outlaws return six starters from a season ago, none of whom are seniors, in which they went 14-17.
“They were real young last year,” Holding said of his team. “But we’ve got two guys (Ethan Elroy and Cody Brown) that started as freshmen and we’ll definitely look to those two to be leaders. It’s always the ultimate goal to go to the state tournament and I think it’s a luxury that none of our players are seniors because they won’t be pressing to play. They’ll be a little more relaxed knowing they’re coming back next year.”
The season began a week ago with the Outlaws pulling out a 5-4 win over Lindsay. The Outlaws split a pair of games over the weekend, defeating Plainview 11-5 and losing to Lone Grove 11-2.
“I really thought going in that we would swing the bat pretty good and I still think that,” said Holding. “We’ve been playing decent defense but haven’t had a lot of field time yet. Pitching is going to be our question mark. Ethan already has two wins, but we’re still looking for who is going to be the No. 2 and No. 3 guys for us.”
Jordan Maxwell, Hunter McClure, Holden Davis and Dylan Elroy are competing for time in the No. 2 and No. 3 spots. Holding also said that Wakely Bergner and Dillon Hanley will see mound time, mostly in relief. Hanley throws from a three-quarter to submarine arm slot and might become the Outlaws’ closer, added Holding.
Jake O’Neil and Keaton Woods will split time behind the plate and Holding said whoever is not catching will be the DH.
Ethan Elroy will also play first along with his pitching duties. When he is on the mound, Cade Brown will man first. Cody Brown will play second base with Wakely Bergner and Ethan Elory playing across from Brown at shortstop. Davis and Dylan Elory will round out the infield at third.
Tanner Southerland will roam centerfield with Maxwell in left and Swade Dungan in right. Jonathan Anderson and Dillon Ellis will also receive playing time in the outfield.
“Our main goal is just to get better every day,” Holding said. “We still have a lot of work to do, especially on defense. I think our defense will improve as the season goes on, just reading the ball off the bat more. We can take a lot of fungo but it’s just different in the games, especially in the outfield.”
Finding the other starting pitchers will also be critical for the Outlaws. Holding said he is excited about the prospectus of his team, but knows it will be a work in progress.
“Holden Davis has a lot of arm strength, but just not a lot of experience,” said Holding. “We had guys to carry the load the last couple of years but they’re gone now. So, we’re looking for a few guys to step up.”
- Ben Whitehead is a sports writer for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via e-mail at ben.whitehead@duncanbanner.com.
