Since winning 31 games in 2016 and falling just short of the Class 4A state championship, it has been a struggle for the Newton County baseball team.
NEWTON COUNTY BASEBALL SCHEDULE
Last year was the worst of the three since that run as the Cougars finished 10-17 last year and were quickly dispatched by Florence to open the Class 4A playoffs.
The only good part of that is the Cougars return a host of players with playing experience and the majority of their innings on the mound.
Veteran coach Wyatt Tullos said he hopes that experience starts to pay dividends this season as the Cougars look to get back among the Class 4A elite.
“We have had some really good practices,” Tullos said. “I have been really pleased with what we have done at practice. The guys have got after it pretty good. We have a couple of nagging injuries but we have had some good workouts. Having good practices is a good start. We are looking forward to it.”
The Cougars return the majority of their innings from last season, the only loss to that group being Jacob Hitt. Tullos said he expects David Burton to have another solid season when he returns from injury after spring break. Burton went 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in 30 innings last year. Also back is Tyler Cavenaugh, who pitched 20 innings last year. Sophomore Tyson Wood pitched 17.2 innings while sophomore Gatilin Huber pitched 26 innings last year but may miss most of the season with an injury. Tullos said he also expects senior Justin Davis, Marcus Mowdy, Gage Hollingsworth and Jesse Phillips to see time on the mound this year.
“We have got to pitch and play good defense,” Tullos said. “If you can do that, you are always going to have a chance to play good baseball. We have had some young pitchers the last couple of years and some of them have grown up and learned. They are rounding into shape and getting it figured out.”
On the defensive side, Tullos he expects R.K. Cain and Wilson Jackson to share the catching duties. At first base, Burton will see the majority of the action but Cavenaugh, Wood and Braxton May could all see playing time.
At second, Tucker Fitch will be at second base while Hollingsworth will be at short. Wood, who hit .333 last year, will be at third along with Mowdy and Cavenaugh.
In the outfield, May will be in left field, Griffin Bailey will be in center and Justin Davis will be in right. Tullos said he expects Jackson, Mowdy and Cavenaugh to play multiple positions depending on who’s pitching.
“We should be a year smarter and stronger at the plate,” Tullos said. “We just need to have better game awareness. We need to play hard and be opportunistic. Just be where you are supposed to be, hustling and backing up every throw. And take the opportunities where you can get them, whether it’s on offense or defense.”
The Cougars will play in Division 5-4A with Mendenhall, Northeast Jones, Florence, Richland and Quitman.
“It’s a good baseball district,” Tullos said. “I think it’s pretty much wide open. All of those teams work hard and take baseball seriously. They prepare every day and all play good defense. I think they are all beatable but could be good on any certain day. I think we would win on any night and lose on any night. But if we play well, we will have a chance to be in every district game.”
