Pitching a big key for Tigers ‘9’

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Lyndonville varsity baseball team include, in front, Nate Dillenbeck, left, and Rolland Balcerzak. In back are Nathan Neace, Cal Stinson and Casey Winiecki.

Looking to defend their Genesee Region League Division 2 title, the Lyndonville varsity baseball squad returns a good nucleus of seven veterans.

Shortstop/pitcher Nate Dillenbeck and catcher/pitcher Rolland Balcerzak, both juniors, head that veteran contingent which also includes infielder Oskar Heinsler, outfielder/pitcher Casey Winiecki and outfielders Devin Rounds, Nathan Neace and Cal Stinson, all seniors. Dillenbeck earned G-R All-Star honors last year hitting .463 with 17 RBI.

The Tigers are also counting on the junior trio of first baseman Anthony Moule, third baseman/pitcher Alex Barry and pitcher outfielder Dylan Burt-Hodgins.

Lyndonville’s graduation losses included Zach Johnson, a G-R All-Star who was the Tigers ace on the mound, along with versatile infielder/catcher/pitcher Kane Flynn, and outfielder Matt Hess. Flynn also earned G-R All-Star honors.

“Replacing Zach is a big key” said Coach Shane Price. “We just don’t have that dominant pitcher so we are going to have to get strong efforts from all of our pitchers. They are going to have to step up in big games. And defensively we just have to be better. That was a for us problem in games last year.”

Lyndonville captured the G-R Division 2 title with a 12-1 record and the Tigers went 17-2 overall advancing to the Section V Class C2 finals.

When the Tigers get to begin defense of their title remains uncertain with schools currently closed due to the Coronavirun concern.

“The unknown is what gets us,” said Price of the uncertain length of the hold being put on the start of the season due to the current school closing as the result of the Coronavirus concern.

Lyndonville had been scheduled to begin G-R competition against Elba on April 2.