Trigg County is off to an 0-2 start on the baseball diamond, but Coach Tyler Magan thinks his team’s focus will be a strong suit for the Wildcats in 2021.
Trigg was 14-15 in 2019 and was expected to return a strong senior class for a 2020 season that was wiped out due to COVID-19.
The Wildcats should be good on the mound in 2021, but a lineup that has some unproven hitting may show itself early in the season.
“I think we have practiced for six or seven weeks from last year until mid-February. It’s been hard on our guys, but we are trying to put that behind us and are excited to be on the field and do what we love,” Magan said.
Several players will see time on the mound to include Trey Carr, Andrew Williamson, Bryce Cunningham, and brothers Joe and Isaac Peca.
Magan feels like his pitching will get more deep and experienced as the season wears on.
“We’ve got several guys who have stepped up and looked sharp in our bullpens and in our scrimmage. I’m optimistic that once we get rolling these younger guys will settle in and produce for us on the mound,” he said.
Williamson is the only regular starter returning on the infield. He will start at second base, while sophomore Aaron DeSpain will join him in the middle at shortstop.
Trevor Terrell will start the season at third base, with Hunter Reynolds and Stephen Audas sharing time at first base.
“We’ve got several young guys in those spots, so the key will be how they settle into those roles. We have really tried to work on timing and communication with these guys, doing partner and team infield drills to help mesh together and get game-ready,” Magan said. “We’ll have new faces across the infield and outfield, and several of these guys can play multiple positions.”
Joe Peca and Bryce Cunningham will see time in both the outfield and the mound. Magan said Isaac Peca and Tyler Ahart can play just about anywhere on the field.
“Isaac is a great utility player, and he will be all over the place for us. Tyler Ahart is another guy who I can put just about anywhere, and he will get the job done.”
Jay Humphries and Isaac Peca will split time behind the plate.
“One thing I have been incredibly impressed with this year’s team is our focus. Top to bottom, seniors to freshmen, we want to get better and don’t want to waste the chances that we get. Last year showed us that you can’t take one day for granted,” Magan said.
Trigg County has won the district title six of the past nine seasons but will have tough competition this year with Lyon County, Crittenden County, and Livingston Central.
“If we push it and do everything we can to prepare and come out and give our opponent everything we’ve got, there’s nothing more I can ask from them. Sometimes we will do that and at the end of the night we’ll come out on top, and sometimes we won’t. It’s really about having a short memory and getting ready for the next game,” Magan said.
