The 2022 Trojan baseball season officially kicked off this week with a series win against Wake Tech in J.P. Riddle Stadium. It’s a great way to begin your career as a first year Head Coach. “I’m very excited to get a new era of Trojan baseball underway. A new Coach never knows what they’re walking in to until the guys lace up their spikes and start playing,” says Love.
So far, FTCC Trojans have won two of three games against Region 10 opponent, Wake Tech, who plays on the opposite side of the conference. Trojans lost the first game to their opponent, but were able to bounce back in the second, featuring a walk off victory by a score of 4-3. The third game of the series took place on Wednesday where the teams matched up in a 9-inning single game. The final score, Trojans 13 – Wake 4. Keep in mind, this is the first series win in FTCC baseball history!
A few of the team veterans include Reece Woody, Michael Starrs and Cade Oliver. All three players look strong for the spring campaign. Riley Caudle and Cole Pletcher, who both missed all of the fall games, will play key roles in offense with a lot of experience under their belts from the previous season.
Also returning are a few arms that threw big innings last season such as sophomore Wyatt Carey who will be a guy that will typically come out of the bullpen and keep hitters off balance. Newcomers to keep an eye out for will be right handed pitcher, Aidan Haugh who will fill a starting role and Jason Barnes who could be another pitcher toeing the rubber to start games for the Trojans. Across the board, there will be competition at each position, making each individual and the team better.
Coach Love has his goals set high, “The ultimate goal for this team since day one is to make the conference tournament, something that has yet to be done in Trojan baseball history.”
Sports Information Director, Debbie Smith