2007 Review
The 2007 DCA varsity baseball team reached the Sectional game for the third time in four years. The Wildcats suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Sectional game 5-3 to Marion County. In addition to being one game away from the State tournament the team broke the single season win record with 24 against 9 losses. The ‘Cats” were led by senior, and district 8AA most valuable player, Tyler Acker. Tyler, who signed with Middle Tennessee State University, hit .402, drove in 32 runs, and had 5 homeruns to go along with his 7-2 pitching record. Fellow senior Daniel Winningham also had an outstanding year before being sidelined with a season ending ankle sprain. Daniel led the team in hitting with an average of .403. He also drove in 23 runs and walked 18 times. Pitcher Craig Stem (7-2 .302 BA), outfielder Reed Williams (.388 BA 40 RBI’s), and second basemen Chris Pierce (.295 BA .957 fielding percentage.) also made first team All-District. Sophomore Alex Boshers and freshman Brad Warren received second team all-District Honors. Other major contributors were Jeremy Worden, Alex Gray, Dustin Weaver, Justin Davis, Justin Johnston, and Wacey Russell. Coach John Berti completed his 19th year as head coach and was awarded District Coach of the Year as well as picking up his 300th win.
2008 Preview
The 2008 club will be led by a host of seniors. Right-handed pitcher Craig Stem will lead the way on the mound. Craig has signed a baseball scholarship with Western Kentucky. Craig throws hard and has an excellent breaking ball. He will shoulder much of the pitching load this year. Also returning are shortstop Jeremy Worden and second basemen Chris Pierce. These two set a record last year for most double plays in one season.
Pitcher/outfielder Reed Williams is yet another senior that will be counted on to help on the mound and at the plate. Reed is an outstanding hitter with the potential to increase his homerun production this year. Dustin Weaver is an exceptional senior right-hander that will help in the pitching rotation. Dustin has good control and good movement on his fastball. “Weave” will also play third base when he is not on the mound. One of the few left handed pitchers on the staff is senior Alex Gray. Alex pitched well at times last year and will be needed this year to contribute some quality innings. Alex will also play outfield or first base when he is not on the mound. Senior Justin Davis will see action in the outfield. Justin is a good contact hitter and runs well. Another key returning letterman is junior outfielder Justin Johnston as well as sophomore Wacey Russell. Right-handed pitcher Alex Boshers was the leading reliever last year as a sophomore, and will likely move into a starting role on this year’s squad. The huge question mark for the club this year will be to fill the catching position. Junior Cody Pointer as well as freshman Neil Hickman will complete for the position. Sophomore Brad Warren (.333 BA in 2007) is out with a shoulder injury and in all likelihood will not return this year. Experience and a solid pitching staff will be the two main strengths for the Wildcats this year.
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