Matt Tripp, Exeter baseball coach, said his team took a 2-0 lead into the 7th inning of the title bout, ultimately falling in extra innings, 4-3. It was the fourth district runner-up finish in as many years.
“We lost five 1- run games, including the district championship,” he said. “Overall, we had some positive growth, but we still haven’t broke through to that next level.”
Lost to graduation were Gretzky Lee, Corey Hilburn, Cooper Patterson and Trenton Raney, who combined for 36 hits, 22 RBI and 16 stolen bases. Hilburn also went 5-4 on the mound with an ERA of 2.926.
“It’s nearly impossible to replace [Hilburn’s] type of talent,” Tripp said. “[Lee’s] work ethic and attitude will be sorely missed. Cooper filled a key spot for us and will be hard to replace, [and Raney’s] willingness to do anything asked of him and his ability to come in clutch in the big moments will be missed.”
Leading the slate of returners will be All-District junior center fielder Aaron Beck, All-Conference and All-District catcher Zach Lee, All-District sophomore third baseman Kason Nelson and All-District and All-Conference sophomore Wyatt Lemons. Other returning starters include senior first baseman Levi Gautney and sophomore utility Joseph Hatfield.
That group has combined for 49 hits, led by Lee’s 18, and 28 RBI, led by Beck’s 12. Lee also stole 13 bases last season.
“Levi showed great promise at [first base] this fall and really improved at the plate,” Tripp said. “Kason can play anywhere and came alive with his bat last fall. His speed is a huge asset we’re just learning to leverage. Zach’s offense took off this past fall, and his defensive skills are impressive and improving.
“Wyatt’s bat was much improved in the fall, and his pitching has landed him near the top of the rotation. Joseph figured a lot of things out this fall. His bat is working well and he has the ability to play almost any position. I am waiting for a breakout season for Joe, and why not this spring? Aaron has the defense to play center. Will his bat get right this spring? I know it can.”
Senior Anthony Cowan is the final returner.
“Anthony is the heart and soul of our team,” Tripp said. “We look for his senior campaign to be his best yet.”
Joining the Tigers will be a group of underclassmen that saw some success in the fall. Freshman Cason Antle turned in 26 hits and 26 RBI, plus eight stolen bases, and sophomore Kason Crowe and freshman Coby Johnston combined for 16 hits, 16 RBI and 5 stolen bases.
“Cason finished the fall as our best hitter and at the top of the pitching rotation,” Tripp said. “We can’t wait to see what the brings to the table this spring. Kason came to the game a little late but he is improving rapidly and kept finding himself in the lineup this fall. I look for that to continue. Coby is improving rapidly as a freshman and will be competing for a spot on the starting lineup this spring.”
With a fairly young team, Tripp hopes to see success swell in coming seasons.
“We will be working hard to find just where everyone fits in and how to maximize the volume of talent we’re blessed with,” he said. “The conference is improving and the competition will be a challenge. The district is strong at the top, and I expect a battle if were to get a district championship.”
Exeter is 1-2 on the season, falling to Miller in the home opener, 10-3, then to Blue Eye in the Exeter Tournament, 2-1, before bagging a win over Sparta, 4-3.
The Tigers return to action on Friday at Dadeville.
