Southwest celebrated a historic district title on the hardwood in February, and the Trojan baseball players hope to deliver another trophy this year on the diamond.
Derek Mann, Southwest baseball coach, said the team’s fall season was excellent preparation and setup for a season with a significant goal.
“I expect us to compete every game,” Mann said. “With our fall season counting towards our conference, we set ourselves up to be able to win it if we take care of business. I also believe we have a good shot to win a district title and continue on in the state tournament.”
The assistant coach in Purdy for the last five years, Mann takes over a program with five starters returning from last year’s 9-5 squad, and Southwest sports fans are sure to recognize the team leaders’ names.
“Junior Brendyn Paulsen (SS/P) is our ace on the mound and hits in the middle of the lineup,” Mann said. “He is the guy that wants the ball in the tough games and leaves it all on the field. Senior Zak Corwin (Util/P) is an athlete you can put anywhere and he will compete. He has done a great job working hard and adapting to having a new coach his senior year. He is one that leads by example. Senior Coy Shrum (OF) is our leader in the outfield. He takes charge out there and doesn’t let much drop out there.”
Paulsen and Corwin, Mann said, both provide a variety of pitches for the Trojans, but both excel with their sliders.
“Sophomore Tristan Morgan is still developing an arsenal but did a great job this past fall,” Mann said. “His best pitch is his curveball. Sophomore Tyler Meek took over the [catcher) job this past fall and has done a great job with how hard he works and he is always wanting to get better.”
Other starters include junior Charlie Pippin at first base, freshman Logan Gregory at second, sophomore Hunter Barnes at left field and junior Braden Garcia, junior Caleb Ayer and freshman Wyatt Taft at right field. Paulsen is at shortstop and Morgan at third, with Corwin filling in either position if one is pitching.
“Charlie went from a JV starter at the beginning of the fall to earning two varsity starts and pitching very well in both of those games,” Mann said. “Brendyn got a lot more comfortable at the plate and more aggressive with the fastball when thrown to him. He was hitting the ball gap-to-gap by the end of the fall and was someone teams made sure didn’t beat them.
At 1-5 as of Monday, Mann said consistency will be a difference-maker as the season goes on.
“We have got to be more consistent at the plate,” he said. “If we can become a more consistent team and execute our gameplan night in and night out, then I believe we are a very tough team to beat.
“We are very good at the top of our pitching staff but lack a little depth. We have a jam-packed schedule, which means our depth is going to be tested, and some guys are going to get some shots at varsity innings to prove themselves.”
Another key, Mann said, will be how much effort the boys put in.
“I want teams to look at us and say, ‘They are tough outs and play with all they have,’” Mann said. “I want to be a team that leaves it out on the field every night.”
Southwest fell twice in the Purdy Tournament to start the season, 13-3 to the host and 11-4 to East Newton, but then rebounded with an 11-1 home win over Sarcoxie on March 28. Since then, losses have come to Miller, 9-7; Cassville, 7-1; and East Newton, 15-5.
Southwest plays next on Thursday at Exeter.
