Sport Spotlight: Baseball

Sports Spotlight: Mandan Baseball Back In Action With A New Look

— Ryan Ulrich, Sports and News Editor

With a new field and a chance to compete for the state title on their home field the Braves have the opportunity to have a special season. Having a two year buildup into the season also adds fuel to the fire with the anticipation of what this team can achieve. When it comes to any sports season, achieving a fast start is important towards positioning the team on the right track. This is something the Braves have been able to achieve starting strong with a solid record, which sets the team on the right track so far. “We have won some really key games, and I would say that will help us in the late season,” senior Blake Kilen said. “Our defense and our pitching have been really good.” While the Braves have started out the season solid, postponement of games has been something that has gotten in the way of being able to play. Nonetheless, this is something that the team knows can not get in the way towards an otherwise promising start to the season. “Well, for the few games we had, our offense was clicking,” Kilen said. “Our defense has as well, and we have been able to put in some high scoring numbers.” Besides postponement of games, having that gap year of no baseball the previous year has added some new challenges to start the year. This challenge is something that the team has been able to embrace and adapt coming into the season. “It has been challenging because the last time I saw these boys play, they were freshmen and sophomores, and there has been a lot of growth both mentally and physically during that time,” Head Coach Dewitt Mack said. “Trying to

figure out where everybody fits and who can do what has been kind of a challenge as it is like I am a first-year coach all over again.” Even though the team has expressed plenty of promise in their games, their positive attitude is something that has stood out as well throughout the season. This is something quite encouraging that will help the team through all the grits and grinds this season will have to offer. “The big thing is the attitude and excitement, and they have a very positive attitude, while being supportive of their teammates and are encouraging all the time with a good team concept going,” Mack said. “I also enjoy the fact that they are excited to be there and want to be there every day for practice and games, which shows they are working hard to get better every day.” The hard work and comradery expressed by the team has been something to pride themselves on. This has been a bright spot for the team and cannot be ignored. “The excitement in their enthusiasm to get to the ballpark, working on skills in practice and the attitude of wanting to be there every day for everybody when other people have success has been great,” Mack said. “I have not seen selfishness on many of these boys, which is a great team concept there which they are big on embracing very adamantly that they are going to be a good team.” The Braves will look to carry their solid start of the season into the regional tournament. The chance of playing in the state tournament on their home field is something that does not happen very often, and will provide great motivation throughout the season.

Photo by Mccartney Fix Senior Ben Kleinknecht winding up the pitch.

Photo by Mccartney Fix Junior Lucus Burgum winding up the pitch.