The varsity Wildcats baseball team officially kicked-off the current season March 26 and are off to a 3-7 overall start.

Having claimed big wins over Almont, Everest Academy and Clarkston in the tournament so far, Head Coach Dave Herrick said he expects his team to “keep striving for improvement” as the season continues.

There are 19 athletes on the team this season, with eight returning.　

Last year, the Wildcats team went 21-17 on the season.

To keep moving forward, Herrick said the team is striving to win at least 25 games this season.　

While the team thrives on its starting pitching performance, Herrick said the Cats are looking to better their quality at-bats and are shooting for .600 at bats each game.　

“We found when we get to that number, the chances of us winning goes up significantly,”　he added.　

Herrick said he’s counting on the leadership of top-Wildcat Senior captain Jack Smalley (infielder) on the field this season.

Smalley was described by Herrick to be “one of the hardest workers” on the team.

“Jack’s approach at the plate is what makes him stand out. He’s our leadoff hitter. He has a great team-first approach and does whatever the team needs,” said Herrick.

Herrick said he’s also expecting great things on the field from Junior Evan Brunning (pitcher, third/first baseman).

“Evan has had some really good　innings for us this year and　he’ll　be our first conference starter. He’s also our cleanup hitter. His ability to attack and get ahead of hitters has　been really good this year. He’s also leading the team in walks so far this year　and　doing a really good job with his　approach at the plate.”

Herrick also mentioned senior Gage　Warzecha (outfielder, pitcher)　and sophomore Joseph Miller (infielder), who is leading the team in extra-base hits, as two more of the team’s stand-out athletes.

“Gage has played a very solid left field for us and Joey　has　a great approach at the plate,” he added.　

Herrick added that he is optimistic that the team’s “more experienced athletes” will help guide the Cats through a successful season.

“I’m really excited about this group and my team. They’re a great group of kids,” said Herrick.　They take work in the classroom and on the baseball field seriously. They work hard in all aspects of being a student-athlete. I expect to have a really great year with them.”　

Up next, the team goes up against North Farmington on the home field April 27 at 4:30 p.m.