GALION, Ohio — The offense has been explosive, but Galion’s defense is still a work in progress.
The Graders committed five errors leading to four unearned runs in an 8-5 loss to Lake Erie at Heddelson Field on Tuesday.
In three games this season, Galion (1-2) has committed 11 errors. The Graders had five errors in a season-opening loss to Lorain County last Friday.
“I stressed to our pitchers the importance of getting ahead of batters,” Galion manager Taylore Baker said. “It’s hard when you don’t have certain plays (made) behind you.”
Starter Mark Delas gave up four runs in the second, but only one was earned as the Graders committed three errors in the inning. Delas did himself no favors, walking five in three innings of work.
“We were getting ahead, but had a hard time putting guys away,” Baker said. “Those walks start to add up.”
Familiar Faces: Fans who followed the Graders during their inaugural season last summer will recognize some of the 2016 Graders. Pitchers A.J. Cecil and Trent Downs, infielder Kevin Schrock and outfielder Colton Carney all are holdovers. Delas was a position player last summer, but transferred from Toledo to the University of Findlay and is pitching this season.
In addition, a handful of local high school graduates are on the roster, including Lexington’s Evan Lee (Kent State), Clear Fork’s Ridge Winand (Ohio State), Mount Gilead’s Xavier Harris (Grace, Ind. College) and Highland’s Dalton Stambaugh (Morehead State) and Byron Belcher (Pitt, N.C. Community College). Lexington’s Brody Baseline, who played two seasons with Sinclair Community College and has signed with Division I Northern Kentucky, had agreed to play with the Graders for a second season but will miss the summer with an injury.
“I think we have a lot of talent,” said Baker who served as pitching coach last summer before being promoted when Ray Neill decided to step down. “(General manager) Mike O’Leary recruited a majority of the team and I think he did a fantastic job.”
No Rest: The Graders play 42 games in 52 days. Galion has just one scheduled day off between Tuesday and June 27.
“You have to forget about today and go to the next day,” Baker said. “That really is the mindset of this league. Yesterday doesn’t matter.”
