With more hitting, deeper pitching and an athletic outfield, Sequim’s baseball coaches and players feel good about their chances this spring.
“I think we’re capable of going as far as any Sequim team has ever has,” said head coach Dave Ditlefsen. “We have some pieces in place to go deep.”
A majority of the Wolves return this season including all-league second teamer Evan Hurn, who batted .359, honorable mention Nigel Christian and pitcher Tanner Rhodefer.
Rhodefer was second on the team with a 2.23 ERA and held opposing batters to a team-best .145 average while Christian had three wins with a 3.00 ERA and 33 strikeouts.
The Wolves went 7-2 in league play before losing four in a row last year, but they won their final three games to make districts where they lost to Fife 5-0, recovered to win 4-2 against Olympic but were knocked out by Klahowya 4-2.
“Even in the games we lost at districts we were very competitive,” Ditlefsen said. “If anything, we pitched well, but our bats went a little cold and kids pressed a little. (This year), we’re hoping in that type of situation they stay focused.”
Graduated seniors Nick Johnston and Brett Wright led the Wolves in hitting and pitching and earned all-league first team honors. Wright hit .443, and Johnston led Sequim with four wins, a 2.20 earned-run-average and 63 strikeouts.
Rhodefer, who will replace Johnston at as the No. 1 pitcher, said the team is overall stronger this year despite Johnston and Wright graduating.
“We had a couple of guys carry us but the hitters all worked hard in the offseason so we should be a better hitting team,” he said.
Rhodefer said there are at least a handful of players with power.
“With all our guys from one-nine (in the batting order), I feel comfortable with any of them with the game on the line,” he said.
Ditlefsen agrees.
“We have nine or 10 guys with legitimate varsity experience back,” Ditlefsen said. “We knew we were going to be very young last year but all of our sophomores and juniors saw some growth. Nick (Johnston) was our No. 1 pitcher but our No. 2, 3 and 4 are all back. I think we have three or four No. 1-type kids.”
The Wolves starting pitchers will be Rhodefer, Christian, James Grubb and Daniel Harker, Ditlefsen said.
Offensively, Ditlefsen said the Wolves have put a lot of time and effort into playing baseball year-round.
“I’m expecting big things from Nigel Christian. He just keeps getting better each year,” he said.
“Evan Hurn has got a great left-handed swing and Daniel Harker and James Grubb are both returning starters who keep getting better.”
Harker said he began hitting in the batting cages in January and his hope is to get more runs batted in while hitting in the middle of the order.
His goals for the team are to win the Olympic League, go far in districts and earn a spot at state.
“We know our league is very challenging top to bottom,” Ditlefsen said.
“We know we have to keep getting better everyday to compete for the league title.”
Sequim opens its season with a Jamboree at noon, Saturday, March 14, hosting Enumclaw and Federal Way.
Spring Sports Preview: SHS Baseball
2014 record in league, overall: 10-6, 12-7 — tie for second in Olympic League; 1-2 at districts
Head coach: Dave Ditlefsen (10th year). Assistants: Kevin Royal, George Twilling, Chris Young; JV: John Qualls, Craig Sotebeer, Jeff VanCovern.
Top returning players: Nigel Christian, Evan Hurn, Tanner Rhodefer, Dustin Bates, Ian Quast, Ian Dennis, James Grubb, Daniel Harker
Key newcomers: James Thayer, Brady Vig, Austin Hilliard, Gavin Velarde, Logan Hankinson, Leighton Pace
Key competition: North Kitsap, Klahowya, Olympic, North Mason
