Experience in the pitching department will be pivotal for the Warrenton baseball team as it develops its offense early in the season.The Warriors return their two most seasoned hurlers in terms of innings tossed a year ago.They are fresh off one of the better seasons in recent history, having reached the district championship.“With having younger guys needing an adjustment period, we will need strong pitching and defense early on,” said Burle.Senior Brandon Moeller and junior Ben Stephens are being considered a 1-A and 1-B scenario right now, according to Coach Eric Burle, who says there isn’t a designated ace.“These guys are two of the better pitchers in the conference right now,” said Burle. “Right now nobody has set themselves apart to be the No. 3 guy.”Moeller pitched 40 innings last season, sporting a 3.71 ERA with 40 strikeouts and 17 walks.“Brandon is going to provide most of the leadership,” said Burle. “He commands a lot of respect just by his actions.”Stephens pitched 53 innings as a sophomore, carrying a 1.71 ERA while striking out 56 batters and walking 14.Possibilities to fill the third spot are Taylor Duvel and Arik Rader.“Last year we started off strong, winning our first five or six games,” said Burle.He is hoping his team can accomplish the same this season, while avoiding mid-season injuries that caused a bump in the road in 2013.“We came within a total of three runs of winning both the conference and district championships,” said Burle.But there will be some adaptation to the varsity level for several newcomers, asserts Burle.“We have as many as four or five new faces who have never played varsity baseball,” said Burle. “They’ve just got to catch up to the speed of varsity baseball.”Working around the field, the Warriors do return a handful of experience.Sophomore Dallas Johnson is expected to start at catcher, after playing multiple positions a year ago.“He’s kind of a jack-of-all-trades for us and should see a fair amount of innings,” said Burle.Will Reese and Jacob Abel may also see time behind the plate.At first base senior Corey Eckenfels is expected to make an increased impact, after serving as a designated hitter last season.“We’re expecting more offensive production out of him during his final season,” said Burle.Justin Ohmes and Duvel may also play first base.Senior Luke Darity returns at second base, where he got the bulk of his innings last season.When not pitching, Stephens will play shortstop, while Moeller may also see time at that position.Third base will be occupied by either Duvel or Rader.Burle anticipates Garrett Capstick, Hunter Capstick and Hunter Russell to bring talent to the outfield.“We have nine seniors who can hopefully push some of these younger kids,” said Burle. “Our offense will fall into place as the season goes along.”Burle expects Russell to bat near the top of the order, with Abel also in the fold. He will look to Johnson and Moeller as more of the power hitters helping to advance runners.“We’ve got a little more athleticism and team speed this year,” said Burle, adding the Warriors only had 16 extra-base hits a year ago.Burle says there is a lot of parody in the conference, providing an opportunity for several teams to claim the title.“The ultimate goal would be progressing in the postseason — getting back to the district championship and having an opportunity to win it,” said Burle.LUKE DARITYDerrick Forsythe Photo.