Bulldog baseball team hoping for bounce back season in 2014

SANDPOINT — Last year, the Bulldog boys baseball team failed to win a game. To use an appropriate metaphor, consider that strike one.

This year, the Bulldogs will feature a starting lineup made up of mostly underclassmen led by a first year coach. Strike two.

New head coach Scott Fitchett knows he’s inheriting a two-strike count, but if his energy at practice is any indication, there might not be a third strike. Fitchett threw a crisp and spirited round of batting practice in the SHS wrestling room on Wednesday, preparing his new charges for their season opener on Saturday at West Valley.

His priority is simple heading into a season that he admits will be a work in progress.

“Change the culture, the expectation that we can be successful,” says Fitchett. “We have a lot of work to do, but by May, we’ll be ready to compete with Lakeland and Moscow.”

Offensively, the Bulldogs will lean on the powerful bats of junior shortstop Quinn Pearlstein and sophomore catcher Paul Sundquist, who will anchor the middle of the lineup.

Fitchett loves the way Sundquist is eager to learn and challenge himself, to say nothing of his raw power. Pearlstein has been working on his approach at the plate and going up there with a plan of attack.

Kyle Perry will bat leadoff, followed by fellow sophomore Tyler Perry, as the pair brings plus speed to top of the order. Junior Nate Stangel and Chandler Brewington also have some pop in their bats.

“We’ll be a strong offensive club. We’ve got guys who can hit with power; good speed, very coachable,” describes Fitchett. “We’ll be real aggressive on the base paths, and we’re always going to try and hit doubles into the gap.”

Senior Chase Rodriguez, who opted to run track last year, returns to the diamond to anchor the pitching staff. The 6-foot-6 power pitcher will be the staff ace, relying on plus stuff.

“He throws a hard fastball with really good movement,” describes Fitchett. “He missed last year’s debacle, coming back fresh and ready to contribute.”

Junior Malaki Smith will start the year as a No. 2 starter, relying more on command. He’ll move the in and out as well as up and down in the zone, mixing speeds to get outs. Perry and freshman Talon Dewey will also be counted on to eat innings, especially important with a schedule featuring a lot of doubleheaders.

Joining Fitchett on the varsity staff are Rick Klontz Sr., Rick Klontz Jr. and Adam Hodges, while Hollis Stewart will guide the JV squad, as 45 players turned out for baseball this spring.

With a relatively young team, Fitchett knows there will be a steep learning curve. He was quick to answer when asked what the biggest key was to his first season as a head coach.

“Grit. Passion and perseverance,” says Fitchett, keeping things simple. “Throw and catch the ball. Play better defense than the team we’re playing and it will be all right. We won’t be successful with wins and losses overnight. When we face adversity, are we able to overcome it?”

Sandpoint opens the season on Saturday at West Valley.