Skip Hulet knows a thing or two about good hitters.
The last two seasons he’s coached different KingCo 4A batting champions.
While Eastlake’s second-year head coach is unsure if he’ll make it a third straight, he’s confident in one thing about this year’s group of Wolves — a virtually entirely new varsity roster.
“We’ll be pretty solid … I think overall, average wise, we’ll be better than last year,” he said.
The Wolves, who finished last season at 9-11 overall, graduated seven key seniors. Among that group, were shortstop and batting champion Nick Smith, along with all-state catcher Nick Andrews.
In addition, a player expected to return this season as one of Eastlake’s top infielders and pitchers, Michael Russo, decided to shift his focus elsewhere.
“He said he really wanted to try and work on basketball,” Hulet said.
The cupboard isn’t completely bare for the Wolves, however.
Senior center fielder Kelby McCorkle returns as a starter after batting .240 with eight RBI. Seniors Alex Boyce and Matt Dusche will join him in the outfield.
The infield will be anchored by senior second baseman Andrew Mitchell, senior first baseman Sam Nasci and senior third baseman Quinn Hawksworth. Connor Hanson, a newcomer, will take over at shortstop, while sophomore Casey Fithian will take over catching duties.
Senior Kyle Henselman is expected to supply some power at the plate as the designated hitter. In addition, seniors Joe Johnson and Michael Parrott bring depth to the team.
Eastlake has several pitchers capable of making an impact. Hulet said he expects junior right-hander Alex Dean and senior right-hander Nick Hooper to get most of the starts. Six-foot-six right-hander Joe Shaffer and left-handed junior Ethan Potter also have strong arms.
Despite a lot of key losses and new faces on the field, optimism is running for Hulet. The team has its sights set on the program’s first post-season appearance since 2006.
“Our goal is to get back to the playoffs,” Hulet said. “If we pitch well and play defense well, I think we’ll be able to do that.”
