After a 2024 season that ended in a 14 –15 record, the Eagles baseball team is looking to refine its game and make a run during postseason play.
The baseball program is led by 11 seniors, all having experience competing at the varsity level, and managed by head coach Gerald Kreber and assistant coach Joshua Bullock.
In his 24 season coaching, Kreber sees potential in this year’s roster, which is 7-6 as of April 10.
“We have the same toughness as last year’s team, but we are adding more pitching depth,” Kreber said.
Returning pitchers include seniors Blake Demman and Joe Dougherty and junior Boe Di Lorenzo.
On the mound, Demman has recorded 11 strikeouts in four appearances and has a 2.62 earned run average. Dougherty has delivered solid performances on the mound, with a 2.90 ERA and 13 strikeouts.
With a team leading 20 strikeouts and 3.82 ERA, Di Lorenzo is a competitive pitcher for the Eagles. Sophomore Grant Hamill is new to the varsity team, but has already produced 12 strikeouts and has a 1.08 ERA.
Offensively, Dougherty is the most successful player when in the batter’s box. Dougherty has a batting average of .425 and has recorded 17 hits in just 13 games. He also holds a team high of nine RBIs.
Senior Ethan Ferguson is another consistent threat at the plate with a batting average of.351. He is a strong offensive player with eight runs scored and five RBIs.
Another key contributor, senior Mark Ripp, maintains a .350 batting average, and has recorded five runs, and earned six RBIs in 13 game appearances.
The Central baseball team opened the spring season on March 25 with a 15 – 3 victory over Omaha Bryan. Players contributed from all areas of the diamond, both on offense and defense.
Against the Bears, Di Lorenzo pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
As a batter Ripp went 3-for-3 and scored a run to propel the Eagles forward.
Prior to season, throughout the months of Jan. and Feb., coaches and players improved their throwing and hitting mechanics. The team also held weight-room sessions to improve their strength and endurance.
Since tryouts began on March 3, the Eagles’ main focus in practices has been game preparedness.
“We work on plays that could make or break the game,” Bullock said.
Increasing intensity and simulating games prepares the team for important matchups. Players practice offense and defensive situations: pickoffs, rundowns, and cuts and relays.
“It’s important, it helps our players feel comfortable when the situation arises,” Bullock said.
The team will play a total of twelve home games this season. Their upcoming games include several key matchups against top 25 teams. They will face Millard North on April 15, and Skutt Catholic on April 25, both top-10 teams.
“The point of sports is to have fun and enjoy the moment. We will play anyone that is on our schedule,” Bullock said.
Central plays home games at Boyd Field.
