Baseball Preview: Experience and Depth are Strengths in 2021

3/11/2021 4:36:00 PM

River Forest, IL- As the Dominican University baseball team prepares to take the field for their season opener this Friday under Head Coach Steve Hardman, the coaches and the team are feeling excited and confident for the start of the season as they have all the right pieces in place.

With this season looking a little different than normal, the Stars haven't had much time to prepare for their season opener like they normally do but Coach Hardman believes the team is ready to compete. "We have had to cram a lot of our team concepts and individual development into a smaller window this year with about a week or less of practice time before our first game, but I think our guys have done a great job of taking their off-season workouts seriously to where they came in ready to get after it."

Even though the Stars haven't had much time to prepare for the season, the coaches are pleased with the way things are going. "As a coaching staff, we have been very pleased with the quality of practices that we have seen up to this point," stated Coach Hardman. "One thing that has not changed from previous preseason's is that pitching is ahead of hitting right now. If history serves, the hitting will come around here real soon."

Given that the Stars' season halted last year due to COVID-19 the team's outlook on this season is a little different than normal said Coach Hardman, "One message that has been very constant in our program since almost exactly a year ago today has been to never take anything for granted. Play every game like it is your last because you never know what tomorrow brings."

Even though last season came to a halt the goal has never changed. "Our number one goal every year is to win a conference championship. There are smaller goals that lead us to the bigger goal of winning that championship that we will address during the season, but winning a championship will not happen in March," continued Coach Hardman. "We have talked about peaking at the right time this year. So, if our arrow is pointing upward towards the end of the season and we are playing our best baseball, then I believe we will be a team that will be in the hunt at the end."

Going into this season, Dominican has a great group of young returners and newcomers that will make depth a team strength. "Bryant Bagshaw and Hayden Young have been in our rotation since their freshman year and will be the two pitchers that we look to in big games for us. Tyler Kara and Jeremey Davidson have also seen significant innings, both out of the bullpen and as starters," said Coach Hardman. "There are another 11-12 arms that we feel can contribute positively on the mound for us this season."

This season the Stars are expecting some guys to play big roles on the field. "Players that we will be looking to carry the offense this year will be Johnny Condron, Ryan Simak, and Brandon Diedrich. Also, some returners that saw some significant time as spot starters or late game replacements who will be looking to take the next step like Garrett Wano, Jake Polonus, Zach Rigdon, and Keegan Brandt," stated Coach Hardman. "There are also a ton of newcomers, both freshman and transfers, that we feel will make an immediate impact for us."

The Stars begin their season with a double-header home opener at Wintrust Field this Friday, March 12th starting at noon versus North Park University. The Stars have a quick turnaround as they will face North Park University again Saturday, March 13 at noon for another double-header at the Wintrust Field.

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