By Mark Blentlinger
Head Coach Scott Muffley keeps reminding his Schoolcraft baseball team it takes a solid team effort to accomplish what the team wants to do this season. His Golden Eagles have bought into that vision, with the team boasting a 15-10-1 record overall and a 4-4 record in the conference.
Muffley said the team has been decimated by Injuries, including key players Eli DeVisser, Bennet Ellison and Hayden Demaso. “The great thing about this team is that others have stepped up and performed in the absence of these individuals.” This team effort is one of the things Muffley has enjoyed this season. “This is a very cohesive group that truly has a passion for this game.”
The team has been building all season for the post season play, and the team believes it is ready. They have a solid pitching rotation with Fischer Holmes, Easton Pulsen, Austin Jones, Thomas Rutkoskie, Ryley Bruner and Cody Priest. “They have all done a nice job on the mound and continue to get more efficient each day,” Muffley said.
At the plate, Ethan Goddard, Gavin Hart, Jaden VandeWeire and Cody Priest have all been very consistent, each hitting over .300.
During an out-of-conference game vs Mattawan, the team did well, especially on the mound with Easton Pulsen and Fischer Holmes keeping the game close. The team ended up losing by a score of 2-1. Mattawan is a Division 1 school. Next up was Niles, another Division 1 school, and the Golden Eagles were able to top them by a score of 12-2.
Muffley said, “We like what we see, we just need to keep the momentum going.”
The Golden Eagles visited the Lawton Blue Devils on Monday, May 15th for the final conference game of the 2023 season. There, Lawton topped Schoolcraft 12-7.
MHSAA District play starts on May 30th for the Golden Eagles. Schoolcraft plays Centreville at home, as Schoolcraft is hosting District 82.