Hungry Bulldogs ready to make noise in league
<p>Pictured from left to right are seniors Isaiah Lutz, Nik Feyen, Justin Puryear and Zac Farrell, all of whom will play big roles. (Courtesy photo)</p>
SANDPOINT — While the Sandpoint baseball team will be young this year, starting two freshman and two sophomores, the ace of the pitching staff and the 3-4-5 hitters are all seniors, providing balance and offering cornerstones to build around.
Senior Nik Feyen will be the prime inning eater on the mound for the Bulldogs, featuring the ability to stay in the strike zone, a trait that goes a long way in high school baseball. Senior starters Isaiah Lutz and Justin Puryear, both hard throwers, and freshman reliever Michael Plaster will also be counted on to log innings on a pitching staff that figures to work by committee.
“We’ll definitely have to pitch staff-wise, no powerhouse,” admits Sandpoint head coach Chris Young. “Nik’s goal is to give up fewer free bases than last year. He keeps the ball down in the zone and throws to the target.”
Shortstop Zac Farrell will hit third, DH Devin Hancock in the four hole and outfielder Puryear fifth, as the trio of seniors will provide power and anchor a lineup that once again will depend on execution and playing small ball.
“We’re going to have to do the little things to get on base,” says Young, noting Farrell has earned the captain’s honor by working hard and getting after it. “He has a pretty swing and some pop in his bat. He crowds the dish, just a tough out.”
The Bulldogs won just three games last year, but Young believes an influx of exciting young players could help turn things around. Freshman Tyler Newton will bat leadoff, followed by sophomore Jackson Russo in the two hole, setting the table for the middle of the order.
Freshman catcher Paul Sundquist will start behind the plate, a rarity in a demanding position, while sophomores Quinn Pearlstein and Chandler Brewington and junior Jake Steen round out the starters.
“This younger group is really hungry,” says Young, noting four freshman will see playing time, including Newton, who transferred from California. “He’s a baseball player. He comes here swinging a hot bat and he has speed.”
Lakeland is the front runner to nab the lone Inland Empire League 4A state berth, but they’ll have to deal with Farrell and a hungry Bulldog team to get there.
“We have a lot of young guys, but there is a lot more energy and we’re hoping to make a run at state,” says Farrell, adding that executing will be key. “There are no big hitters, everybody is going to have to pull their weight.”
The Bulldogs open their season March 19 at Timberlake.