Raiders eye improved diamond season

Photo by Mike Wertman – Eddie Wasnock, left, and Devon Mangan and their Barker teammates are prepping for the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League baseball season.

Bolstered by larger numbers, including a good contingent of seven returnees, Barker is taking aim at improving upon last years 5-9 Niagara-Orleans League baseball record.

Seniors Brad Wilson (pitcher/third base), Michael Snell (shortstop/pitcher) and Jared Ginther (outfield) head that veteran group which also includes juniors Eddie Wasnock (pitcher/third base), Devon Mangan (catcher), Jacob Meister (first base) and sophomore Collin Webb (centerfield).

The Raiders are also looking to juniors Ryan Voss (second base), Chauncey McKee (pitcher/infield) and Kyle McDonald (outfield) to help round out the starting lineup.

Wilson and Wasnock, who will anchor the Raiders mound staff, both earned N-O All-League honorable mention last year.

“Our numbers are better this year, which is a plus, and we’ll have solid pitching which will keep us in games, that’s a strong point,” said Coach Rob Mucha. “We should be a better hitting team and our defense is stronger. I’m very much looking forward to the season with this group.”

The Raiders are slated to host Holley in the non league season opener on March 30 and then begin N-O competition at Roy-Hart on April 4.

Schedule:
March 30 – Holley, 4:30 p.m.
April 1 – Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
April 4 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
April 5 – at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
April 7 – Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.
April 8 – at Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.
April 11 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 13 – Akron, 5 p.m.
April 14 – at Byron-Bergen ,4:30 p.m.
April 15 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.
April 18 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 20 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.
April 22 – CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
April 27 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
April 29 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
May 2 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
May 4 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.
May 5 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
May 9 – Albion, 4:45 p.m.
May 11 – at CSAT, 4:45 p.m.