Baseball, softball squads each at 10 wins

The Wheaton High School Baseball and Softball teams are having a spring worth celebrating. 

Both programs have amassed 10 wins each with multiple games left to play, posting impressive records and great performances from a number of Wheaton athletes.

The Bulldog baseball team is 10-6 as of Monday, the best start since the 2011 spring season. The team’s performance has earned it the No. 8 spot in the most recent Class 1 state rankings, putting the Bulldogs on pace for one of the most successful seasons in Wheaton Baseball history should they continue their current performance pattern.

“The baseball team’s success is due largely in part to very successful seasons from a number of players,” a Wheaton schools press release said. “Bodie Lauderdale has led a successful pitching staff, boasting a 1.518 ERA with 46 strikeouts through four starts this season. Lauderdale’s impressive performance has been followed by strong performances by Brody Bateman, who boasts a 2.545 ERA with 31 strikeouts through four starts as well. 

“This formidable one-two punch has been well supported by Riley Roller, Logan Brattin, Mitchell Shockley and Senji Chang. At the plate, the Baseball Bulldogs have been led by Casen Bolton (.435/.658/.522), Brody Bateman (.419/.591/.677), and Riley Roller (.367/.537/.600). Brattin and Lauderdale are also each batting above .300 on the season.”

Coach Nathan Jones said the pitching staff has really set the tone for what the team has accomplished so far.

“Our two guys have given us a chance to compete in every game so far which is all we can ask for, be in the game with a chance to win,” he said. “As far as the keeping the momentum, our kids have worked incredibly hard all off season and really the last two years to put themselves in a place to be successful. I believe if we can continue to perform on the mound like we have and have a few more clutch hits in big situations we will like where our team goes to finish this season..”

Roller, a senior, said leadership among the Bulldogs’ ranks has also played a major factor. 

“Our team has guys stepping up and being leaders now,” he said. “We’ve had several guys showing up to offseason each day and putting in work to get better. Relationships on the team have really improved over the last two years.”

“The work we put in this offseason has allowed us to have more success against our opponent’s best pitchers, and has allowed us to better compete on the mound as well,” said Lauderdale, a junior. “We’re prepared to compete at a high level.”

The Bulldogs will be back in action Thursday, hosting Billings at 5 p.m. The District tournament will be hosted by Billings from May 13-23.

The Lady Bulldog Softball team is also off to a fast start this spring. The squad is 10-4, the best start since 2019. The Lady Bulldogs are led at the plate by Georgia Mae Harris (.605 AVG, 16 RBIs), Rylee Stansberry (.514 AVG, 2 HR, 14 RBIs), and Kinsey Pettengill (.486 AVG, 2 HR, 16 RBIs).

Coach Chris Branstetter said solid perfdormances at the plate and team chemistry are to thank for the success. 

“Our recent success is a direct result of timely hitting and excellent teamwork,” he said. “The team is currently led by several standout offensive performances. To maintain this momentum, our focus moving forward will be on tightening up our defense and continuing to improve our collective approach at the plate.”

Senior Jayci Park said the team has really bonded and connected well. 

“We have had the same group of girls together for a while now, and things are starting to click for us,” she said.

“This year we are seeing players step up and become leaders,” said Georgia Mae Harris, a junior. “Our team is communicating well with one another, and we have a team-over-self approach to the game. I think that’s how we have continued to grow the most.”

The Lady Bulldogs will play their next game on Thursday, hosting Exeter at 5 p.m.. The District tournament will be hosted by Purdy from May 7-12.