Strong Pitching Rotation has Bohemia Manor Baseball Ready for Postseason

After the first game Bohemia Manor baseball played this season, head coach Gary Johnson knew 2016 had the potential to be special.

The Eagles were paired against Rising Sun, a team Bohemia Manor had not beaten in recent years. The game was close, but the Eagles were able to flip the narrative, pulling out an 8-5 win.

"The emotion and drive that we showed on the first day of the season was very memorable. I was proud of my team and the effort they showed," Johnson said. "It was a great way to kick off the 2016 season."

Bohemia Manor has taken that momentum from opening day and run with it. The group concluded the regular season 15-3, and is looking ahead to the postseason with high expectations.

"It's been a fun ride and the players are enjoying their success," Johnson said. "The regular season success can be attributed to their hard work during the offseason, as well as the season."

It can also be credited to the team's talented pitching rotation. Bohemia Manor has three strong starting pitchers at its disposal, each of which has excelled this season.

The group is led by Josh Heath. The sophomore has been untouchable for opposing batters. He holds a 4-0 record with a .716 ERA and 30 strikeouts.

Joining Heath at the top of the order is a pair of juniors- Will Lorman and Joseph Garrett. Lorman is 6-0 with a 2.17 ERA and 29 strikeouts, while Garrett holds a 4.55 ERA with 29 strikeouts.

"Our rotation has kept us in a lot of games," Johnson said. "All three are in control of the strike zone and command several pitches."

Complimenting that rotation nicely has been a dynamic middle of the order that has been able to produce at the plate for Bohemia Manor.

Junior Second baseman Gage Walklett leads the team in batting average with a .385 clip. He's roped four doubles this year and registered 14 RBI's as well. Walklett has also done an excellent job of putting the ball in play for the Eagles- he's only suffered one strike out all season.

Heath's sphere of influence hasn't been limited to just the mound, as he has batted .364 with five doubles and 21 runs scored. Senior third baseman Chase Justice has a .341 batting average, and has scored 19 times. He's also displayed an excellent eye, walking 15 times.

Junior catcher Bryan Bell rounds out the core with a .327 batting average, seven doubles and 17 RBI's.

"These guys are the heart of the order and have been successful all season," Johnson said. "These players are responsible for either driving in or scoring a lot of our runs this season."

That group will have to continue to perform if the Eagles are going to make an impact in the playoffs. Last year the team reached the third round, which fell short of where the team hoped to finish the season.

Regardless of what happens on the field, Johnson knows his team is going to give its all, just like it has from day one of the regular season.

"The road will be a tough one, but I know these guys are up for the challenge," Johnson said. "I expect them to work hard and be prepared to make a run."