![A Baker player prepares for a pitch.[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-83d354b0-5866-5270-e053-0100007fd8f9-92f17c85.jpeg)
The Baker Gators finished last season 11-8, giving them plenty of motivation for the new baseball season.
“This year is a work in progress,” Head Coach Adam Henry said. “We are trying to build on last season.”
The expectations are high for the Gators, who believe that winning is contagious.
“You get one win under your belt and then you keep rolling,” Henry said. “Our goal is to win the district and I think we have a great chance to do so.”
The Gators have four to five pitchers who have pretty good depth. Currently, the pitchers are getting 60-70 pitches in a game, but Coach Henry hopes they can get to 80-90 pitches per game as the season progresses.
The pitchers will look for run support from a lineup that can get the job done.
“I think the lineup, one to nine has a good chance to put the ball in play and advance runners,” Henry said.
The Gators' roster is full of talented upperclassmen who can help motivate their team. Seniors Garrit Pouricillie and Kolby Roy are just two of the players that can help bring success to the Gators’ season.
Sophomore Troy Jenkins and freshman Ethan Edge will also be a key part of the Gators lineup.
Motivation will be a major factor for the team this year. Coach Henry hopes his guys will bring that to each other.
“Motivation is something they will get internally amongst themselves,” Henry said. “They will have to motivate each other.”
The team will need to have focus and motivation starting at practice.
“We have to stay focused,” Henry said. “It’s about the little techniques. If you don’t do them correctly, you won’t win.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gators look for motivation in 2019