Contributed by Tyler Henry
After a tough pair of losses to the Russell Broncos in last Friday nights double header, the Southeast of Saline Trojans still look very optimistic going into postseason play. With a 12-8 record and a 2nd place finish in the league the Trojans will enter regionals at Minneapolis Monday as a three seed.
Led by solid pitching and defense, the Trojans have shut out five teams this season, and prior to their last homestand, had given up just 63 runs through 113 innings. Only 8 losses stain the Trojan record this season, most of which were at the hands of larger 4A schools (Abilene, Concordia and Chapman).
“Pitching has kept us in about every game this season, the games that we’ve lost have been the ones where we haven’t had any timely hitting,” said head coach Mike Garretson.
A starting rotation of Tanner Thaxton, Kody Berry, Bryce Banks and Grant Tillberg, finished out the year with an average ERA of 1.58 and 68 strikeouts in 71.2 innings of work.
The offense has also proved itself throughout the season as the Trojans have put 10 or more runs on the board seven times. Seven of their Nine starters are batting over .300 this year and among the offensive achievements of the season, a 38-0 double header thrashing of Sylvan Lucas has to be the highlight. Anthony Knight, who leads 3A state in batting average, has also been a pleasant surprise this year, hitting .500 all throughout the season and leading the team in stolen bases. But to Knight, and several of his teammates, it’s not all about the numbers.
“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you. For me, this baseball season is my last, and I’m very fortunate to have been a part of this team.” said Knight.
As important as all the numbers are, the Senior leadership of this Trojan team cannot be overlooked. The seniors of this team bring experience, skill and a hunger for a state title. From the field to the locker room, these are the guys who keep things going all season.
“We’ve come close before, it would really put the exclamation point on an already great season with a great group of guys,” said Senior starter and SS Kody Berry.
Berry, who has batted .370 with 12 RBI’s is just one of five seniors that has carried this team to a lower seed in regional play.
The Trojans will face the first in a series of obstacles on the road to state Monday when they travel to Minneapolis to face the Minneapolis Lions. First pitch is at 5:00 pm.
Stay tuned to Salina Post and KINA for more coverage of the Southeast of Saline baseball team throughout the postseason.