By BUTCH HARMON
Although young this season, the Merrill baseball team has an asset that also makes it dangerous: quality pitching.
Graduation hit the team hard, as key players like all-state catcher Dustin DeBeau, Brandon Mudry, and Derek Good have graduated.
The cupboard is not bare, however, as Hunter DeBeau is back on the mound and will also see action at first base. Kyle Jungnitsch is back at second base for the Vandals, while Chris Marke also returns. Ryan Kade and Julius Glazier are two more pitchers who return with varsity experience, as both earned varsity wins last year. DeBeau will be the staff ace, as he won eight games a year ago, including a win in the district and in the regional tournaments.
“We have a very young team this season, but we have some pitching to really help us out this season,” said coach Dave DeBeau, who is entering his 29th year at Merrill. “We will go as far as our pitching will take us. Our pitchers only start one game a week, unlike most other teams around, but we feel confident that keeps them healthy for the end of the season.”
The key for the Vandals this season will be at the plate. “My biggest concern is on the offensive side,” DeBeau said. “Losing Dustin, Brandon, and Derek takes out 90 hits and 52 RBI from last season along with the senior leadership and program guys. Our guys are working, they know what the expectation are, which is tough after a rough football season and a long basketball season.”