Despite only returning four upperclassmen from last year’s 17-15 team, Washington Demon baseball coach Nathan Miller is encouraged by the early season chemistry shown by his team. Miller says he has seen the squad excel in communicating in early season practice, , “We are really seeing a difference from last year, where the kids are all hanging out with each other, they are supporting one another, and they are having a lot of fun.” Miller said, “When one guy does something good in practice, you hear some guys praise, say nice job. When someone isn’t doing what they are supposed to do, you hear the guys get after them.”

Miller has seen the most vocal leadership out of junior Michael Ellingson, who has been named a team captain with senior Blake Weidman. Miller also praised the communication from sophomore’s Gabe Griener, Colin Zear, Dakota Kron, and Michael Gier. The Demons lost five seniors off of last year’s team, including Walker Breard, Tanner Knupp, Mason Quigley, Elijah Wood, and Jacob Green. The quintuple produced 11 of the Demons’ 12 home runs last year, nine were off the bat of Breard. Miller isn’t concerned about his team driving the ball out of the park, “The best teams I ever coached haven’t been massive power teams.” Miller said, “In 2011 and 2012 when we went to the state tournament, we were an outstanding gap to gap hitting team, which is what we focus on. We want to hit the gap and run, extending innings.”

Washington opens their regular season schedule tomorrow evening, hosting the Eddyville-Blakesburg Rockets. Live play-by-play from Dick Sojka Field begins with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame show on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com.