Photo by Hunter Franklin ’19 – Chad McClanahan ’16 tags out a base runner during the baseball game against North Canyon Friday, Feb. 26. The team looks to build off of experience heading into the season.

By Andrew Howard ’17
THE ROUNDUP

Lead by senior third baseman Chad McClanahan ’16 and senior pitcher Jeff Rula ’16,

the baseball team is 10-10 and is competing for a high seed in the playoffs.

“Chad McClanahan has been having a remarkable year at the plate and in the field, and our lineup is largely centered around his ability to drive in runs,” said pitcher Wyatt Maus ’17. “On the mound, Jeff Rula has been showing the way for the underclassmen pitchers with some spectacular performances.”

Maus credited the team’s success to its unity.

“This year’s team is very tight-knit. We have a lot of potential to go deep in the playoffs,” he said.

The team is 10-10 as of April 11th, with eight games left before the state tournament. If their record improves, they could clinch a first round bye in the state tournament.

Byes are given to the top eight seeds.

“We are trying to get a top eight seed spot, so that we get a bye the first game,” said Brett Taylor ’17. “We feel that we can beat any team if we play to our potential. We already beat two of the top teams in Hamilton and Basha.”

The team beat Chandler Hamilton early in the season, who USA Today ranked No. 2 in the nation.

Taylor said much of the team’s success comes from the seniors.

“The team has many leaders, especially due to their being 11 seniors.  Some of the main leaders are Chad McClanahan, Jake Lieberman (’16), and Hunter Parks (’16),” he said.

Maus said he believes the team has been underperforming recently, especially after beating powerhouse teams Basha and Chandler.

“I think we are a very talented team, but we’ve been struggling to do the little things right and that’s what has costed us some games,” Maus said. “We know how to win, so we simply need to execute.”