Sports
Shelton High Baseball Eyes Postseason, Development
After a solid 2010 season, the Shelton High baseball team has its sights set on a return trip to the postseason.
The defending Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) champions have some holes to fill from last season's 20-7 squad, but they have a strong foundation of seasoned players led by senior captains Jon Groth, Dan Guerrera and Mike Georgalas.
“We have a good returning core and experience, but we need to fill five positions in the field that are all up the middle - the heart of the defense,” said Shelton High coach Scott Gura.
The captains will provide some stability for the Gaels as the team develops. Guerrera will cover short stop and do some pitching. Georgalas will be one of the aces on the pitching staff, boasting a strong fastball and good control. The fireballer will also cover first base. Groth is a utility player who will help solidify the infield at second base and bring experience to the outfield.
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Junior Ryan Zahornasky (1-1, 2.96 ERA in 2010) will be the other ace in the bullpen with a great 12-6 curveball and will play third base when not on the mound. Junior catcher Ryan Daiss rounds out the battery.
Strengthening the defense will be sophomore Tyler Tice, who will split time at second base with Groth, and senior Evan Peck who will platoon with Zahornasky at third. Groth will also work with senior Dan McCue and juniors Jeff Groth and Dan McCormack in the outfield.
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In the batter's box, the Gaels will be led by their top four hitters, Guerrera (.347, 12 runs in 2010), Zahornasky (.500 and 11 RBI in 2010), Georgalas (.306, 21 RBIs in 2010) and Daiss (.255, 7 RBIs in 2010).
With a solid core of experience, Gura feels confident his team can qualify for conference and league tournaments and could make some serious runs in the postseason if his new starters bloom, especially at the plate.
“Our goals for this season are to make the SCC tourney and have a home game for the Class LL tournament,” he said. “That will depend a lot on those top four hitters carrying us. After that, the five through nine hitters in the lineup have no varsity experience.
“The team is upbeat and we have great leadership from Dan, Mike and Jon. The younger players have an opportunity to step up and get some valuable experience in the season.”
