The biggest challenge for spring sports teams in the area is getting outside to practice before the regular season starts. That challenge is no different for the Dexter Tigers baseball team.
The Tigers return seven starters from a team that reached the quarterfinals last season. Dexter will be looking for a third straight postseason appearance.
“Entering 2017 we are aiming for a return trip to the post-season for the third year in a row with seven returning starters. We lost two seniors in Kyle Emerson and Dustin Belanger and both will be hard to replace,”Tigers coach Chad Graffam said. “The challenge this season will be getting outside before our regular season starts and being able to play with some expectations.”
Brayden Miller and Zach White will provide senior leadership for the Tigers. Other players on Graffam’s roster includes juniors Jacob Bickford, Matthew Richards, Matthew Hanscome, and Tyler Beem. Sophomore Trever Richards along with Freshmen. Nathan Richards, and Gage Stone look to see plenty of time as well.
With the new pitch count rules along with the possibility of games being backed up due to early season postponements, it is as important as ever to have a deep pitching staff.
“We look to be consistant offensively and play solid defense behind a pitching staff that should throw plenty of strikes. Our staff won’t be over powering but should be steady,”Graffam said. “We have plenty of arms which should help us if games get backed up. Brayden Miller and Jacob Bickford will lead the rotation along with Matthew Hanscome, Trever Richards, Kobe Pillsbury, Nathan Richards and Gage Stone all seeing time on the mound.”
The Tigers have a difficult schedule that includes class C power George Stevens, along with playoff contenders Orono and Bucksport. They also have Central and Foxcroft on the schedule. Both could be near the top of the class B standings. PCHS and Penquis also provide a solid test, as does Mattanawcook, who is new to the Dexter schedule.
“I expect our schedule to be stronger than ever from top to bottom. All are well coached and have plenty of top talent,”Graffam said. “Hopefully we stay healthy because we won’t be very deep.”
The Tigers are scheduled to open the season on April 18th at home against Foxcroft. Dexter is scheduled to also play at Central and Bucksport during the first week of the season.
