Butler Baseball: Bulldogs Ready to Make Postseason Run

OVERVIEW

The Butler Bulldogs baseball team comes into this season looking for more postseason success. The team lost some key players to graduation,  but will rebuild from within. James Spadaccini will be leading the way for the offense, while Pat Kivlon, Brian Hallock, Anthony Morse and Mike McInerney will be expected to fortify the pitching staff.

LAST SEASON'S RESULTS

Butler Head Coach Jeff White said, “We made a great run into the state's last year before losing to Emerson in the sectional finals. It was a really exciting tournament, but somewhat disappointing to fall short of our goals. We hope to build from that experience and have an opportunity to compete for a section title again this year.”

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

James Spadaccini: Spadaccini will move to shortstop this year. He set several school records last year as a sophomore, and the coach predicts he is only going to get better.

Pat Kivlon, Brian Hallock and Anthony Morse: All three will return to the mound and at their respective positions.

Bryann D'Amato: D'Amato will be behind the plate as catcher to provide a veteran presence.

THEY'LL MISS

Brendan Kelly (P/3B): Coach White said Kelly was the team's most consistent pitcher and played outstanding in the state playoffs.

Ryan Lowery (SS): Lowery played excellent defensively as a short stop, White said, and provided some power at bat with six home runs on the season.

Ed DeMarchi (OF): White said DeMarchi was the team's best outfielder and had 20 runs batted in on the season.

COACH'S TAKE

“The seniors will be missed, but we are confident that we have some young players ready to step in and help us compete and win games. After having a productive season, we expect them to lead us this spring. As a team, we are expecting to compete for an opportunity to make another deep run in the state playoffs in the 2011 season.” - Coach White

THEY SAID IT

“With great teammates and excellent coaching from Coach White, I think we have a good chance to compete again in the state playoffs.” – Mike McInerney

BUTLER BULLDOGS’ ROSTER