Veteran pitchers will lead Barker

Photo by Mike Wertman – Barker’s large contingent of returnees includes, in front, Shawn Callaghan, Jake Hurtgan, Chauncey Mckee, Devon Mangan and Cam Fox. In back are Eddie Wasnock, Kyle MacDonald, Ryan Voss, Collin Webb and Josh Richbart.

A trio of veteran pitchers anchors the lineup for Barker as the Raiders look to challenge for Niagara-Orleans League baseball honors this season.

That veteran trio includes seniors Eddie Wasnock and Ryan Voss along with junior Collin Webb.
Wasnock, who also plays first and third, earned first team N-O All-League and first team Class C All-State honors last spring. Webb, who will be the Raiders starting centerfielder when not pitching, also earned first team N-O All-League honors. Voss looks to man the second base spot when not on the mound.

“Pitching as always is the key and our pitching should keep us in games,” said Coach Rob Mucha.

The Raiders also return a veteran catcher in senior Devon Mangan, a three year starter.
The Barker roster also includes seniors Shawn Callaghan (outfield), Dan Engert (infield), Cameron Fox (designated hitter), Jake Hurtgam (outfield), Kyle MacDonald (outfield), Josh Richbart (first base), Darek Uschold and junior Austin Sullivan.

“We have a lot of options and the ability to shuffle our lineup defending on who is pitching,” said Mucha. “Our pitching is a strength but with the new pitch count regulations we’re also putting more emphasis on our defense. We’re looking for our pitchers to keep the counts down and throw strikes so the defense has to be solid. Improving our offense will be a big key and I’m more excited about the potential of our offense than I have been in many years.”

The Raiders went 8-6 in N-O action last year and advanced to the Section VI Class C finals.

“That is definitely something for us to build on and the kids are looking to do that,” said Mucha of the Raiders strong sectional run.

Barker is scheduled to host Lyndonville on March 31 in the non league season opener and then begin N-O competition at Medina on April 3.

Schedule

March: 31 – Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.
April: 3 at Medina, 7 p.m.; 5 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; 6 – at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.; 7 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.; 11 – at North Collins, 12 p.m.; 12 – at Pembroke, 1 p.m.; 13 – Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.; 17 – CSAT, 4:45 p.m.; 19 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 21 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 24 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 26 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; 28 – Albion, 4:45 p.m.
May: 1 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.; 5 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 8 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 10 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 11 – Oakfield-Alabama, 4:30 p.m.; 15 – at Holley, 4:30 p.m.