Hawks optimistic as season opens

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HODGDON — Fresh off a successful basketball season, the Hodgdon baseball team is hoping for similar results on the diamond this spring.
    Fifth-year coach Rob Smith is optimistic for the Hawks. “On the offensive side, we are patient at the plate,” coach Smith said. “The team has been working with a new pitching machine which has helped us work on different pitches that we may see throughout the year.  Hopefully this will lead to more efficient and productive at-bats.”
    The Hawks are talented and are fortunate enough to have seven starters returning from last year’s squad, which finished 7-8 and 12th in Eastern Class C. Hodgdon failed to make the playoffs a year ago.
Pioneer Times photograph/Joseph Cyr
GROUNDER — Hodgdon’s Chris Wallace fields a ground ball at third base during last week’s game against Southern Aroostook.
    Hodgdon’s roster includes seniors Erik Ryan (first base) and Connor Murphy (outfield); juniors Josh Hudson (catcher), Nick Lunn (pitcher, shortstop, center field), Devin Smith (catcher, outfield), Matt Harmon (outfield), Drew Gough (pitcher, second base/shortstop), Chris Wallace (pitcher, first base) and David Donahue (pitcher, second base, outfield); sophomores Anthony Mazzacco (outfield, second base), Tyler Sherman (pitcher, shortstop, third base) and Jonah Sarchfield (outfield); and freshmen Tristan Larson (third base, shortstop) and Dakota Brown (outfield).
    Returning players include Ryan, Murphy, Hudson, Lunn, Harmon, Gough, Wallace, Mazzacco, Sherman and Sarchfield.
    Returning to the mound for the Hawks this season are Lunn, Gough, Wallace and Sherman, with newcomer Donahue thrown into the mix too.
    “The (returning players) will look to build on the success that they had last year,” Smith said. “Nick, Chris and Tyler will be our starters with Drew and David coming out of the bullpen. Nick and Ryan Wellington led the pitching staff as starters last year. Chris Wallace, Tyler Sherman and Drew Gough stepped up when needed in the relief role.”
    Calling the signs again this year will be Hudson, who will be backed up by Devin Smith.
    The infield consists of three returning starters in Ryan, Gough and Sherman with Mazzacco filling a back-up role. The Hawks will have a new third baseman this year as Larson and Donahue fight for time at the hot corner.
    The outfield features returning players Harmon, Sarchfield and Murphy, along with Brown vying for time.
    Defensively the team kept errors to a minimum and, when there were mistakes, the Hawks kept their composure.
    “On the defensive side, these guys have played together for two years and have built the trust that is needed on the field,” coach Smith said. “The outfielders last year all played at some point together and communicate well when on the field.  In the infield, the second base and shortstop combination have played together and work well to turn double plays. Our first baseman will be returning for his fourth year and has stopped many balls in the dirt and saved errant throws from going out of bounds.”
    Offensively Jake Tidd hit .420 and Ryan Wellington hit .457. Replacing their big bats will be a tough task for the Hawks. Those in the mix to fill that offensive firepower are Ryan (.375 last season), Lunn (.410), Hudson (.438) and Sherman (.378).
    “We were consistent and had a good balance in our hitting order which led to producing runs and eventually to wins,” coach Smith said.
    Assistant coach Daniel McGillicuddy will join him this season. Hodgdon opened its year with a 19-18 loss to Shead April 13, but got its first win Saturday with a 9-8 victory over Southern Aroostook.