Hornets Swinging For SEC Title, Long Playoff Run

With three straight trips to the state championship game, the Saline Hornets varsity baseball team might want to invest in property in Battle Creek.

Last year, the Hornets went 34-5 and lost 4-1 to rival Ann Arbor Pioneer in the state championship game. It was the third straight season the Hornets’ year ended with a loss in the championship game.

Coach Scott Theisen has high expectations for his team once again. He said the goal for this year’s team is to win the SEC and to go deep into the state playoffs.

“These kids have learned valuable lessons from those who have led them in the past,” he said.

The team is led by centerfielder and captain Garrett Gordon, who was named second team all-state last year.

“He is vocal and demanding of himself and others. He is a very intense player,” coach Theisen said.

Theisen said Gordon, batting third, and Myles Debol, batting cleanup, are the sluggers in the lineup. Theisen said he expected the team to play a little more “small ball” to generate offense this year.

“We will attempt to run and bunt more this year than in the past,” Theisen said.

Tim Bruley and Doug Mitchell will be hitting at the top of the order and causing havoc on the bases. Gordon and Debol are followed by Nick Ostrander and Brent Vaccaro. The final three spots of the order are up in the air.

Debol swings a big bat and is also the ace on the mound. Brandon Krebs, Will Goeman and junior Brent Vaccaro will also see starting duty. Mitchell and Gordon will pitch in relief.

Saline’s infield is fairly inexperienced. Tim Bruley is the returning starter at second base. Debol will play shortstop when not pitching. Krebs, Goeman and Owings are battling for the job at first base. Vaccaro and Eric Newberry will start at third.

The outfield is sold and experienced, led by all-league centerfielder Gordon. Doug Mitchell is the returning starter in right. Nick Ostrander starts in left. The team is also set at catcher, where Austin McBee saw much duty as a junior.

The Hornets open their season with a doubleheader at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Their home opener is at 4:30 p.m. Thursday against Dearborn Divine Child.