Sports
Returning Pitchers Give Novato 1-2 Punch in Baseball
Matt Mendelsohn and Jake Barron, each of whom has been the staff ace in his Novato career, head a Hornets squad looking to move up from fourth place a year ago.
baseball coach can relate with Bruce Bochy.
It sure is comforting having your starting pitching staff returning intact this season.
As the Hornets look to improve upon last year’s fourth-place finish in the Marin County Athletic League season, Scheppler knows exactly who will be leading the way.
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“We’re lucky to have two four-year starters playing for us,” he said of senior pitchers and Jake Barron. “They’ve been showing the ropes to the younger guys.”
And they’ve been competing head-to-head for the No. 1 pitching slot. Barron, a second-team All-MCAL selection last season as a pitcher, was the ace of the staff his freshman and sophomore years, but Mendelsohn, a star infielder when he’s not on the mound, took over that role last season.
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Which pitcher will start the March 8 MCAL opener isn’t Scheppler’s only uncertainty. He loves the fact his roster has competition at almost every position.
That includes Mendelsohn, who would like to move from third base to shortstop this season, and Barron, last year’s starting left fielder who is a candidate to be this season’s first baseman.
“I’m trying to find the best fit,” Scheppler noted.
The coach already has made one change. Max Menzel, a utility infielder last year, will be the team’s starting catcher.
“He’s a workhorse behind the plate. He doesn’t complain – he takes his beating in the dirt,” Scheppler said. “He holds the pitching staff together.”
Menzel’s younger brother Chris, a sophomore, figures into the infield mix as well, perhaps at third base. D.J. Lynam, who Scheppler already has penciled into the slot behind Mendelsohn in the batting order, is a candidate to be the first baseman if he’s not the designated hitter.
The outfield once again is anchored by speedy , a junior, in center field. He'll join Mendelsohn and Lynam in the middle of the order.
It’s a strong nucleus Schepper believes can improve upon last year’s 11-7 league record and 17-10 overall mark.
“We believe there’s no reason we can’t be there in the end,” he said of challenging for the MCAL title. “The boys are ahead of the curve from where we’ve been in the path, especially with the older kids leading the way.”
NOVATO’S 2011 BASEBALL SCHEDULE
Home team in CAPS
March 5, SONOMA VALLEY, 3:30 p.m.
March 8, at San Rafael, 3:45 p.m.
March 11, TAM, 3:45 p.m.
March 15, TERRA LINDA, 4:30 p.m.
March 18, BRANSON, 3:45 p.m.
March 22, at San Marin, 4:30 p.m.
March 25, DRAKE, 4:30 p.m.
March 29, JUSTIN-SIENA, 4:30 p.m.
April 1, at Marin Catholic, 4:30 p.m.
April 5, at Redwood, 4:30 p.m.
April 8, SAN RAFAEL, 4:30 p.m.
April 14, vs. Spanish Springs (Sparks, Nev.) at Northern Nevada Classic, Reno, 10 a.m.
April 14, vs. Head-Royce (Oakland) at Northern Nevada Classic, Reno, 12:30 p.m.
April 15, vs. Carson (Carson City, Nev.) at Northern Nevada Classic, Reno, 12:30 p.m.
April 16, vs. TBA at Northern Nevada Classic, Reno
April 19, at Tam, 4:30 p.m.
April 21, at Terra Linda, 4:30 p.m.
April 26, at Branson, 4:30 p.m.
April 29, SAN MARIN, 4:30 p.m.
May 3, at Drake, 4:30 p.m.
May 6, at Justin-Siena, 4:30 p.m.
May 10, MARIN CATHOLIC, 4:30 p.m.
May 12, REDWOOD, 4:30 p.m.
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