Last season the West Orange-Stark Mustangs made the playoffs. Coach Shea Landry has a core of that team back for this season which is good news for the Mustangs. Landry can call on three seniors that have been starters since they were freshmen Aidan Anderson on the mound, Grant Anderson behind the plate, and Grant Lapoint Teate in centerfield. Also back from last year is Jack Dallas at a variety of positions, two-year varsity starter Payton Robertson in the infield, and Kameron Williams who played first base and designated hitter. Coach Landry is looking for consistency out of those six and then fill-in around those spots. There are still some holes to fill in the lineup. Landry is rotating six or seven other players at second base, left field, and right field looking for someone to catch on at one of those positions. Kameron Williams was limited to hitting because of an injury, and Ryan Ragsdale has stepped in trying to cement his place at first base. On offense last season the Mustangs used timely hitting and “small-ball” to score runs. That has not changed very much for this season, but Landry is hoping his veterans will contribute enough run production to win the 1-run games like they did last season. Pitching is the key for West Orange-Stark, and Coach Landry has two bulldogs on the mound in Aidan and Grant Anderson. Landry praises, “Since I’ve been here which is going on seven years it’s been the best one-two pitchers that I’ve had the luxury to coach. Not only are they great ball players, but they work at it they want to be the best. I’m not afraid to put them out there on Tuesday and Friday nights because I know they’re going to give us a chance to win.” Behind the Andersons Landry has even more pitching. Jack Dallas will be in the mix again, but first must have his left thumb heal from an injury suffered while Jack was catching behind the plate. Jermaine Mitchell is a senior and has pitched quite a bit, Austin Wolford is another pitcher trying to work his way into the rotation, and freshman Chad Dallas has good velocity, has to work getting the ball down, and is a competitor like his older brother. Coach Landry is looking to make the playoffs again this season in a tough new district. Landry admits as a competitor he would like to win every game, but would be satisfied to be in one of the top four positions for a trip to the playoffs, adding the Mustangs will have to come ready to play every game.
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