Sports

Braves return five starters from 2012 state squad

By Tyler Ohmann

04/09/2013

Following state tournament appearances in each of the past three seasons isn’t easy. Neither is losing two very strong pitchers and four senior starters.
However, that is what the Bottineau Braves baseball team faces as the 2013 begins.

“We definitely lost some big contributors from the past couple years, and we’re going to have to find some kids to fill those spots,” said Braves head coach Nate Simpson. “With that said, we return five starters from a team that was one of the better teams in state last year in my opinion.”

“We’re young, but we’re experienced, and I’ve got five kids back that played in the state tournament and all five got hits in the state tournament,” Simpson added.

The Braves took fifth for the second straight year last spring in Jamestown capping off a 20-4 season by defeating Kindred-Richalnd to win the consolation title.

They were led by a strong trio of seniors in Mark LaCroix, Justin McCloud and Cody Brooks.
As the 2013 season rolls around, who’s on the mound will be the center of attention on the Braves squad.

“When you lose two kids that won 15 games between them, pitching is going to be a little bit of a concern,” Simpson said. “Once again, I’ve got Andrew Hill, who pitched and won a game as an eighth grader in the state tournament (in 2010), and Lee Schneider, who threw two no-hitters last year, Garrett Lynnes, who’ll be right around the strike zone, Parker Engelhard, who is another strong arm and Tanner Bickford can pitch a bit.”

However, it won’t be the dominant stuff that was brought to the table by LaCroix and McCloud last season.

“We have no shortage of arms, but we’re not going to have that dominating guy that can shut a team down and win a 1-0 game,” Simpson said. “We’ve got guys that will keep it in the strike zone, and we’re not going to give up any free passes, so we’re excited about our pitchers this year too.”

Bottineau has been practicing mostly in the gym with a few flyball sessions in the parking lot sprinkled in. They were scheduled to open the season this weekend in Bismarck, but the games were canceled. Bottineau is scheduled to play in Bottineau on Thursday, but weather and field conditions do not look positive for that game.

“It’s discouraging being in the gym, and we’re nowhere near being outside,” Simpson said. “The kids get cabin fever for sure.”

However, being inside has allowed Simpson to further evaluate his players, and he believes they are a very strong bunch in one area—versatility.

“We have a versatile bunch of kids,” Simpson said. “We’re going to be able to change things up depending on who’s going to be on the mound.”

Bottineau has games scheduled for April 15 at Harvey and at home against Rolette-Rolla-Wolford on April 18.