By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
The Warrenton baseball team returns an abundance of talent this season, while also shifting to a smaller MSHSAA class. Those factors, combined with a conference realignment, has the Warriors in position for a promising 2013 campaign. “We’ll hopefully be shooting for a conference championship,” said Coach Eric Burle. “Dropping a class is huge for us, because we always ended up playing teams twice our size.” Warrenton’s showed improvement last year over recent seasons. The Warriors also defeated the two teams — St. Charles and St. Charles West — that remain in its division this spring. Burle believes his team will be ready for the postseason, with the addition of several stellar nonconference opponents. “We beefed up our schedule a little bit,” said Burle. “We’re not going to go undefeated, but hopefully those games will prepare us for districts.” The Warriors’ success will rely strongly on the guidance of three seniors. Jakob Junker headlines that crew, returning for his third year as the varsity third baseman. “He came in as an outfielder and converted to first base,” said Burle. “He’s done a great job with infield leadership.” Junker will also take on pitching responsibilities, replacing the graduated Chad Berrey. “He’s a pretty good athlete, and we’re looking for him to take on some of that workload Chad had carried,” said Burle. Last season Junker batted .281 with 16 hits and will likely be in the middle of the lineup this season. Near the top of the batting order will be junior Brandon Moeller, who has the highest returning batting average at .344. He tied Berrey with a team-best 22 hits, while splitting pitching duties. “We’re looking for him to duplicate those numbers and hopefully improve them a little bit too,” said Burle. Moeller will see increased innings on the mound, while also playing third base. “He’s got pretty solid hands,” said Burle. “Hopefully he and Ben (Stephens) can anchor our starting staff.” Last season Moeller sported a 4.71 ERA, striking out 25 and walking nine through 32 innings. Stephens carried a 5.25 ERA through 20 innings of work, striking out 13 and walking eight. “I envision him and Brandon battling for No. 1 spot pitching,” said Burle. “He was a little up and down on the mound as you can imagine for a freshman starting on varsity.” When not pitching, Stephens will employ his athleticism at shortstop. Joining him near the top of the lineup will be senior Trevor Bradshaw, who started at centerfield during about half of the Warriors’ games last season. “He has good closing speed in the gaps and an accurate arm,” said Burle. “His arm strength has really improved over the past year.” Junior Jordan Noble will find himself near the top of the lineup, utilizing his speed to advance around the base paths. He batted .233 last season. “He’s a good on-base guy,” said Burle. “We’re looking for more offensive production, and he could potentially get toward the top of the lineup for us.” This season Noble will take over full-time catching duties. Senior Kenny Dildine returns with limited plate appearances but considerable fielding experience from a year ago. “We expect him to be solid for us in left field,” said Burle. Dildine batted .333 last season. Senior Paul Inman will likely serve as the Warriors’ closer, after throwing nine innings last spring. “He’s got the arm strength and the velocity and probably throws hardest out of everybody that pitches for us,” said Burle. Inman will split right field duties with junior Garrett Capstick. Another solid asset in the infield will be junior Luke Darity, who returns for another year at second base. “He’s got a solid work ethic and has put some time into improving his athleticism,” said Burle. Burle is also excited about the potential of freshman Dallas Johnson, who could see time at multiple infield positions. Additionally, the Warriors will look to junior Corey Eckenfels, who can play a wealth of positions. Warrenton will also rely on juniors Erik Rader and Justin Ohmes for depth and in designated hitting situations.
