Baseball back in full swing

After a successful 2023 campaign the Sherman Huskies baseball team is off to a strong start again in '24. They have come out of the gate with a 6-2 record, and, after a week of league action, they sit atop the Special District 7 standings, knotted in a four-way tie with Heppner, Union, and Grant Union, all of whom can boast of 3-0 league records.

Returning starters from last year's squad are catcher Brody Geer, first baseman Blake Carnine, second baseman Caiden Walker, third baseman Talon Dark, shortstop Leven Whitbeck, and outfielder Michael Blagg, who has moved from left field to center. Manning Blagg's former spot in left has been, in most instances, Sean Parkki, and anchoring right field is the power hitting senior transfer Zander Berglund.

Pitching wise the Huskies return two starters, Talon Dark and Leven Whitbeck. Seeing both starting and relief duties on the mound has been Brody Geer, while Drake Dark, Zander Berglund, and Sawyer Baker have been handling most of the relief duties.

New faces abound. Three promising freshman are on this year's roster. Drake Dark, in addition to his work on the mound, has been a versatile contributor, assuming roles at third base and catcher. Gage Simpson acquitted himself well at both middle infield positions and at the plate. Raul Anaya has also seen action in the infield. The sophomore class returns Elias Pickard and hard-hitting Caiden Walker.

Three upper classmen, basketball standouts Gabe Fritts, Luke Fritts, and Isaiah Riggs, have joined head coach Joe Justesen's squad this year, lending the team greater depth, as well as power, speed, and athleticism.

Returning to Justesen's coaching staff are assistants Trey Homer and Tyler Kido. Justesen has also welcomed Duncan Wilcox to this year's Husky staff.

Up next, in more league action, Sherman will face Irrigon at home in a Tuesday contest, at 4 pm on the 9th. The Huskies will then round out the three-game series with the Knights, with a Friday double-header on Irrigon's diamond. The action will commence at 11 am.