Team Previews: Merrimack

By rbrown
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Updated: April 2, 2024

NHIAA BASEBALL TEAM PREVIEW
Merrimack Tomahawks

2023 Record: 2-16
2023 Postseason: Did not qualify for the Division I tournament
Head coach: Michael Dudash
Players with varsity experience: 10

Top Returners:
Offense
— Sr. 2B Garron Brown
— Sr. SS Eliot Medlock
— Sr. C Aiden Centrella

Pitching:
— Jr. Ryan Mainey
— Soph. Evan Sousa

Coaches comment: “We are hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season that ended with an 2-16 record. We enter the season with optimism as we return 10 players with varsity experience and eight who were starters. The team will be led by Third team, All-State second baseman Garron Brown and shortstop Eliot Medlock, who has committed to D1 Bryant University. Also returning will be first baseman and ace pitcher, junior Ryan Mainey. At third baseman, Yvan Tejda will be fighting for the position with sophomore Evan Sousa after missing the majority of his junior season with an injury. Sousa will be our No. 2 starting pitcher while seeing time in the outfield and at third. Last year’s starting third baseman, junior Jackson Woods, will be asked to take on the duties of centerfield, while chipping in on the mound in relief. Anchoring behind the dish are two returning starters, senior Aiden Centrella and junior Shay Collins, who played left field the majority of the 2023 season . Senior Keagan Ponder is returning this year and will fill in as an utility first baseman and will also see some time on the outfield. The team is expecting good things from three freshmen pitchers, who have been impressive so far in a few scrimmages, Jayden Gallano, Logan Hoag and Kyle Brander along with sophomore pitcher Lucas Mantini. Overall I am very enthusiastic about the team. Our returning varsity experience is deep with two of the best players in D1 in Medlock and Brown along with some surprising young strong pitching. As always Division I is deep with talented teams. Londonderry and Pinkerton are deep, along with Bishop Guertin.”

Season Opener: April 8 at Dover

Team/School Twitter: N/A

NHFR 2024 TOP 50 (XTRA members)

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