W-H wants title shot
DIVISION 2 BASEBALL
As soon as Whitman-Hanson walked off the field after getting upset in the opening round of the Division 2 South tournament last year, it immediately pointed to the 2018 season.
With the return of several starters from a 15-5 team, the Panthers are ready, willing and able to make amends.
Patriot League Keenan MVP Jim Dolan and Rian Schwede are back at the top of the rotation, while shortstop Mike Cook, catcher Ryan Sawtelle, outfielders Ethan Phelps and Derek Frank, third baseman Caleb Burke and designated hitter Jason Green are back.
The Hockomock League has no shortage of teams capable of making noise in Div. 2 South. Stoughton will rely heavily on shortstop Ruben Gonzalez and catcher Evan Gibb, while Oliver Ames made a nice tournament run behind pitcher/ shortstop Matt Muir.
North Attleboro returns one of the better pitchers in the league in Nick Sinacola as well as catcher Zach DeMattio, while Milford will be the proverbial tough out every time pitcher Aidan Wilde gets the ball.
Greater New Bedford captured the Div. 2 state title last year, but suffered some key losses. The Bears will lean heavily on outfielder Andrew Vinagre and pitcher Ben Plourde. Dighton-Rehoboth should score some runs as first baseman Jacob Rogers, outfielder Steve Silvia and shortstop Jack Crystie return.
Hopkinton is the team everyone is pointing to in the Tri-Valley League. The Hillers return outfielder Ben McKenzie and catcher Stephen Simoes from a 15-win season. Nauset has pitcher/third baseman Mac LaBarge and pitcher/first baseman Stephen Kalenick returning.
Belmont gave eventual Super Eight champion St. John’s (Shrewsbury) a good battle in the opening round of the tournament. Staff ace Nate Espinal is back along with shortstop Steve Rizzuto, outfielder Connor Dacey, first baseman Dennis Crowley and catcher Ryan Noone.
Belmont will receive some stiff competition in the Middlesex League, starting with Reading. The Rockets return pitchers Will McFadden and A.J. Ucci, shortstop Dan Baker, second baseman Liam Merlin, catcher Ben Brungardt and first baseman Matt Coughlin. Burlington has pitchers Coleman Began and Josh Becker back with third baseman Justin Miksenas and shortstop Ryan O’Halloran.
Beverly is primed for a big season. Having a healthy Spencer Brown back on the mound is a good way to start. The Panthers also return shortstop Matt Collins, second baseman Tim McCarthy, pitcher Kyle Cravatis and third baseman Nick Berry.
Danvers captured the Div. 2 North title last year. Returning are first baseman Zach Dillon, second baseman Tommy Mento, shortstop Anthony Olszak, outfielder Loic Dowd and pitchers Justin Roberto and Justin Nadeau.
North Andover has two top pitchers back in Sebastian Keane and Anthony Sapienza, along with shortstop Jake McElroy, outfielder Joe Quinlan and catcher Jack Morin. Masconomet should improve on a 13-9 record as T.J. Baril has four pitchers back in David Hunter, Jack Seymour, Jack Hurton and Andrew Manni as well as outfielder Alex Zanus.