Mistake

I'd like to apologize to Dylan Leggett, whose 3 RBI in the Middlebury game I omitted from the Independent article. I'd email our sports editor to get it changed but that wouldn't work. Sorry again Dylan.

Independent #5

Coming into the week with a solid 7-4 record (5-4 Metro), the ‘Jackets were three wins away from the important 10-win plateau. When the week was over and the dust had settled, Milton reached that goal, with wins at North Country and home against Missisquoi and Middlebury.

                On Tuesday, the ‘Jackets made the long drive to Newport to take on the winless Falcons. Milton came out swinging with a 5-run 1^st inning and didn’t stop. Anthony Campbell’s bases clearing double in the 1^st inning really set the tone for the day and opened the floodgates for Milton’s offense, which scored in every inning but the 5^th on their way to an 18-2 victory.

                Kyle McRae led the charge at the plate and on the mound for Milton, going 4 for 5 with 2 doubles and 5 RBI while also firing 5 innings of scoreless, 1-hit baseball with 5 strikeouts and 1 walk. Colton Carpenter pitched the final inning of game shortened due to the 15-run rule.

                Campbell and Matt Goulet also had big days for the ‘Jackets. Campbell was 2 for 3 with a double and 4 RBI, while Goulet was 3 for 3 with 3 RBI. Milton had 10 players with a hit and 7 with an RBI in the offensive outburst.

                Thursday saw Milton play host to another winless team in the Missisuoi Thunderbirds. It was an up and down contest, but in the end, the ‘Jackets overcame 7 errors as they did their best Yankees impression (apologies to Sox fans everywhere) with their second walk-off win in as many weeks.

                Missisquoi jumped out to a 4-0 lead, scoring 4 runs with 2 outs in the 2^nd inning. Milton answered back in the bottom half of the inning however, putting 6 runs on the board to set the score at 6-4. This would be somewhat of a pattern throughout the day, as the ‘Jackets kept on scoring and the Thunderbirds kept on answering, as they proved to be a very pesky team that refused to go away.

                Fast forward to the bottom of the 7^th inning, where the score was locked at 11-11. Nick Ferguson led off the inning with a hit-by-pitch. Carpenter attempted 2 sacrifice bunts, but decided he’d rather execute the 2-strike, swinging bunt variety, as he fought off a tough pitch and tapped a ball down the third base line just far enough to advance Ferguson to 2^nd base. This was huge for the ‘Jackets as they now had the winning run in scoring position with the top of the lineup coming to bat.

                Jeremy Peet stepped in the box and calmly worked his at-bat with the infielders playing on the grass. With 2 strikes, he hooked a ball past the 2^nd basemen and Ferguson came around to score the winning run to give the ‘Jackets a 12-11 victory.

                Alex Duchesneau pitched the 7^th inning to pick up the win in relief, giving up 1 run on 1 hit and 1 strikeout. Corey Hurley went the first 5 innings, giving up 7 unearned runs on 7 hits, 3 strikeouts and 1 walk, before giving way to Ferguson who pitched the 6^th inning allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits.

                Offensively, Peet (2 for 5, RBI) and Hurley (3 for 3, triple, RBI) led the way for Milton. Goulet also went 1 for 1 with 3 RBI and Ferguson had a big 2-run double.

                In their 3^rd game of the week, the ‘Jackets played host to the Middlebury Tigers. Milton was looking for its 5^th straight win and 10^th overall.

                After a scoreless 1^st inning, the ‘Jackets used 4 runs in the 2^nd inning, and 7 in the 3^rd to essentially put the game away early. Duchesneau cruised to the complete game victory, surrendering 6 runs (4 earned) on 13 hits, 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. Middlebury pushed across 6 runs in the final 3 innings, but Milton added 1 run late to hold on for a 12-6 victory.

                Hurley (3 for 4, 3 RBI) and Carpenter (2 for 3, RBI) led the Milton offense while Campbell and Pat Gilbert also added 2 RBI respectively.

                The win is the ‘Jackets 5^th straight, 10^th overall and 8^th in the Metro Division, as they continue a solid season. They now stand at 10-4 (8-4 Metro) with 2 games remaining against defending Division I state champion Essex at home, and defending Division II state champion Mt. Abraham, who knocked Milton out of the playoffs last year, in Bristol.

Independent, stats, random notes

First of all, I intend on posting more for the rest of the season. Now that I'm finally settled in at home, things will get easier.

Next, I'd just like to say that I'm a little frustrated at how the articles end up looking in the Milton Independent. The articles that I'm submitting don't really look or sound like how I write them. I guess that happens. But I hope people enjoy them and the articles are all posted on here exactly how I write them.

As we're 3/4 of the way through the season, I thought it would be cool to look at the stats and pick out some things. First, the leaders: 

AVG - Peet (.421); AB - McRae (43); H - McRae (18); 2B - McRae (4); RBI - Peet (15); BB - Peet (10); SB - Hurley (8); R - Hurley (10); OBP - Peet (.540); SLG - McRae (.558); OPS (OBP + SLG) - McRae (1.015). 

Pitching (Minimum 15 IP): IP - Duchesneau (29.1); ERA - McRae (1.37); K - Hurley (17); W - Duchesneau, Hurley, Ferguson, McRae (2); CG - Hurley (1)

Notes: the team batting average is at an astounding .321 after 26 hits in the last two games...we average 2 steals a game...the season total for hits through 12 games is at 114, last year's total was 139 in 19 games...there have been 15 doubles through 12 games this year after 16 through 19 games last year...the team averages 5 strikeouts a game...through 12 games: 94 runs scored, 75 runs allowed...team ERA of 4.07...pitchers have 54 strikeouts to 41 walks.

Random notes of the day: the Padres and White Sox have a deal in place to send Peavy to Chi-Town. Since Peavy has a full-no trade clause, however, the deal is not done yet. For those of you wondering what Chicago is giving up, Peter Gammons says 4 players, none of which are Gordan Beckham (the great shortstop they drafted with their #1 pick last year out of Georgia)...the Yankees have won 8 straight...Ortiz finally hit a home run...Ellsbury tied an MLB record for most put-outs by an outfielder in a game (12).

At this point in the year, we look to be in position to grab a top 4 seed for the playoffs. Check back as I'll hopefully be doing a little something after each game.

Independent article #4

Last week, the ‘Jackets had three games against Division I foes. On Tuesday, they took on the Spaulding Crimson Tide, who came in with an impressive 7-1 record. Sophomore Dylan Leggett took the hill for Milton, but it was a short day for him, as he exited after on 1 and a 1/3 innings with pain in his shoulder. Kyle McRae was next on the mound. Although Kyle threw well (4 IP, 4 hits, 5 runs, 1 earned run, 5 strikeouts, and no walks) poor defense left the ‘Jackets with an 8-1 deficit was Kyle exited with 1 out in the 5^th inning.

                Sophomore Nick Ferguson went the final 1 and 2/3 innings for Milton giving up 1 run (unearned) on no hits. The big inning on the day for Spaulding came in the 3^rd inning when they scored 4 runs on 2 Milton errors.

                While the Milton offense was quiet on the day, Corey Hurley led the attack with 2 singles and Jeremy Peet had the lone RBI with a bases loaded walk.

                After rain pushed a Thursday game to Friday, the ‘Jackets found themselves taking on another team off to an impressive start in the St. Albans Bobwhites. Hurley was on the mound and had a very solid outing. He held St. Albans scoreless until the 5^th inning, allowing Milton to get out to an early 1-0 lead when Alex Learned had an RBI groundout in the 3^rd inning to score Ferguson from third base. St. Albans pushed across 3 runs in the 5^th and 6^th, but Milton responded with 4 in the 5^th and 2 in the 6^th to hold a 7-6 lead. Then things got interesting.

                With 2 outs in the bottom of the 7^th inning, Milton allowed a run to tie the score at 7. St. Albans followed with another run in the 8^th, when Alex Duchesneau entered to pitch with one out (.2 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K), to extend their lead to 8-7. Ferguson then led off the bottom of the inning with a walk and Colton Carpenter executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to push him to second base. Ferguson then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Learned had a gutty at-bat, and eventually fought off a 2-strike pitch with a roller down the third base line. St. Albans pitcher threw the ball away allowing Ferguson to score the tying run.

                The game then went to the 9^th tied 8-8. Ferguson entered the game to pitch and allowed nothing, getting a 1-2-3 inning. In the bottom of the inning, McRae had a 1 out walk to get things going. He advanced to second on a passed ball and third on a wild pitch. Mike Mullins was at the plate with a chance to win the game. With a full count, Mullins smashed a ball past the second basemen who was playing in on the grass and into right field to give Milton a walk-off win.

                Hurley had a good day on the mound, going 7 and 1/3 innings, allowing 8 runs (6 earned) on 11 hits, 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. However, Ferguson picked up the win after his scoreless 9^th inning. Kyle McRae led the Milton offense on the day, going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI. Peet also went 2 for 4 and Matt Goulet had a double.

                On Saturday morning, the ‘Jackets traveled to CVU to take on the Redhawks. Duchesneau had the ball for the ‘Jackets, who jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the 2^nd inning after an error by the catcher on a ball hit by Learned led to 3 unearned runs for Milton. CVU had an answer though, scoring 4 runs in the 2^nd and 3 runs in the 3^rd to gain a 7-3 lead. Duchesneau gave way to Ferguson with 1 out in the 3^rd inning. Ferguson then went the rest of the way for Milton, holding the Redhawks scoreless until the 6^th inning.

                The score stayed at 7-3 until the 5^th inning, when Milton began to claw its way back into the game. The ‘Jackets scored 2 runs in the frame on a Hurley single and stolen base, a CVU error, and a perfect squeeze bunt by Anthony Campbell. This brought the score to 7-5 after 5 innings.

                CVU tacked on another run in 6^th inning on an error and two sacrifice flies. So Milton went into the 7^th inning down 8-5. Mullins came up big again, leading off the inning with shot into the right-center field gap for a double. After a walk to Campbell and 2 wild pitches, pinch hitter Pat Gilbert came to the plate with runners on second and third with no one out and hit a single into right field scoring two runs. From there, the flood gates opened for Milton (figuratively and literally; it was absolutely pouring). After a perfect bunt from Carpenter that turned into a single, Peet hit another 2 run single to extend the Milton lead to 10-8 and Hurley followed with another RBI single to bring the lead to 11-8.

                In the sloppy weather, things got interesting for Milton, as CVU pushed across 2 runs on 4 consecutive singles. With one out, Campbell made the play of the game. With runners on first and third, the runner at first took off for second base. Catcher Jeremy Peet fired the ball towards second base, but after seeing the runner on third take off for home, Campbell cut the throw off in front of second base and made a perfect throw home to nail the runner for out number two. Ferguson then got a groundball to Carpenter at third base to end the game as the ‘Jackets won 11-10.

                Ferguson picked up his second consecutive win on the mound going 4 and 2/3 innings and giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits and 3 strikeouts. At the plate, Peet led the way for Milton, going 3 for 4 with 2 RBI. Hurley also had a multi-hit day, going 2 for 4 with an RBI. Milton’s speed was also huge on the day, as they racked up 7 stolen bases (4 by Hurley) with 4 of those steals coming in the pivotal 7^th inning.

                With their record at 7-4, Milton travels to North Country on Tuesday, then hosts Missisquoi at 4:30 on Thursday and Middlebury at 11 AM on Saturday.

Independent Article #3: SB, BHS, SJA

Last week, Milton had wins over South Burlington and St. Johnsbury, and a loss to Burlington, to improve their record on the year to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the Metro Division.

                After a rainy Tuesday, Milton traveled to South Burlington on Wednesday to take on a Rebel squad that took on a different look this year after losing several key players. Matt Goulet took the hill for the ‘Jackets, but was only able to go one scoreless inning. Alex Duchesneau took the hill after that, and settled in nicely for the ‘Jackets, using a variety of pitches to allow only three runs to South Burlington as he went the rest of the way.

Duchesneau and Milton took a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the 7^th inning before allowing the Rebels to push a run across to send it into extra innings. After a scoreless 8^th inning, the ‘Jackets started to threaten.  Anthony Campbell led off the inning with a single and Alex Learned followed with a double to put two on base with nobody out. Colton Carpenter then came to the plate and hit a rocket into the gap for 2-run triple to put Milton ahead for good 5-3.

Duchesneau’s final line on the hill was eight innings, four hits, three runs (one earned), three walks and one strikeout. The Milton offense was led by multi-hit days for Mike Mullins (2 for 3, 2 RBI), Kyle McRae (2 for 4, 2 doubles, 1 RBI), and Anthony Campbell (2 for 4).

Thursday, the ‘Jackets were again on the road, this time at Burlington. The Seahorses were another team that lost a number of key seniors, but they still had enough to give Milton its first loss of the year. Corey Hurley was the starting pitcher for the ‘Jackets, going five innings while giving up six runs (four earned) on five hits, seven walks and four strikeouts.

Milton trailed just 1-0 with two outs in the bottom of the 3^rd inning before yielding a two out two run double to extend the deficit to 3-0. Milton then pushed across two runs in the 4^th, but that would be all they could muster on the day, as they lost 6-2.

Milton’s offensive attack was highlighted by multi hit days from Hurley and Jeremy Peet, as they both went 2 for 4. Carpenter and Dylan Leggett also had RBI singles in the 4^th inning for the ‘Jackets.

In their third game of the week, the ‘Jackets hosted St. Johnsbury on a Saturday afternoon.  Leggett had the ball for Milton in his first Varsity start on the mound. He surrendered only one unearned run through three and two-thirds innings, while not allowing a hit, striking out four and walking six. McRae took over from there, going the final three and a third innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits, six strikeouts and two walks.

On offense, the ‘Jackets jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after the first two innings. They added another run in the 4^th to make it 4-0, but the big inning for Milton came in the 6^th. Learned singled to lead off the inning and Peet followed with a walk. They then proceeded to double steal, with Learned advancing to third and Peet to second. McRae ripped an RBI single to score Learned, and then the flood gates opened. After three more walks in the inning, concluding with a bases-loaded walk to Mike Burnham which scored Peet from third, Hurley stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and promptly unloaded them. After the dust had settled, Hurley stood on second base with a three run double as the ‘Jackets had extended their lead to 10-4.

Learned paced the ‘Jackets offense all day, going 4 for 5 with three runs scored, one RBI and three stolen bases. McRae also had a multi-hit day, going 2 for 4 with two RBI.

Milton has another three game week coming up, hosting the Rice Green Knights on Tuesday, visiting the Mt. Mansfield Cougars on Thursday, and wrapping up the week by visiting the Colchester Lakers on Friday.

Game #3: @ South Burlington

First of all, apologies for the lack of posts here and not getting an article into the paper; it's finals week here at Skidmore College and I've been pretty busy. Now to the good stuff.

Yesterday Milton took a thriller from South Burlington, winning 5-3 in 9 innings to go to 3-0 on the year. Starting pitcher Matt Goulet had to leave the game early with arm soreness, lets hope he's fine for his next start. In his wake, Alex Duchesneau stepped up big and pitched the rest of the way for the victory. Alex did a good job making the Rebels swing at his pitches and kept the 'Jackets in the game. His line was 8 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K.

On a day when the top four hitters in the 'Jackets lineup went a combined 2-17, the bottom of the order came through to drive Milton. Mike Mullins (2-3, 2 RBI), Kyle McRae (2-4, 2 2B, 1 RBI), and Anthony Campbell (2-4) all had multi-hit days and Alex Learned and Colton Carpenter came through with a double and a triple respectively. 

After going to the 9th inning tied 3-3, Campbell singled and Learned doubled to put two on for Carpenter, who proceeded to hit a rocket in the gap for a 2 RBI triple that would prove to be the difference. This was a nice win for Milton, who has had some trouble with South Burlington in recent years. 

Milton travels to Burlington today for a 4:30 game as they try to stay unbeaten. Senior Corey Hurley will take the mound for the 'Jackets against the 3-1 Seahorses.

Independent Article #3 ('Jackets open with a win)

On Thursday, April 16^th, the Milton varsity baseball team opened their season with a trip to Duxbury to take on the Harwood Union Highlanders. After many weeks of preparation in the gym, the ‘Jackets were excited to take the field in some good weather.

                Senior Alex Duchesneau took the hill for Milton against Harwood. Alex, who was recently accepted to Davidson College (congrats), was up for the challenge on opening day. He earned the win after going 6 1/3 innings yielding only 4 hits while striking out 8 and walking none. He let up 3 runs, none of which were earned, before coming out with one out in the seventh inning.

                Although Duchesneau pitched well, the ‘Jackets trailed for most of the afternoon, getting down to an early 3-0 deficit after a sloppy second inning. The first batter of the inning reached on an error. This was followed by a sacrifice bunt attempt. The ‘Jackets failed to execute the bunt coverage correctly and were left with runners on first and second with no one out. The following batter was hit by Duchesneau to load the bases. A hit, an RBI groundout and a sacrifice fly to center field scored the runs for Harwood to put them up 3-0. However, that was all they would manage on the day, as Duchesneau would retire 13 of the last 15 batters he faced.

                After a few innings of weak swings against Harwood pitcher Reed Brown, the Yellowjacket offense got started in the third inning. After a lead-off single, Anthony Campbell stole second base. Dylan Leggett successfully moved him over with a groundout before Jeremy Peet scored Campbell with an RBI groundout. In the next inning, Matt Goulet and Kyle McRae smacked back-to-back singles to start the inning. Goulet was then forced out at third base on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Pat Gilbert. After McRae was picked off at second and a two out steal by Gilbert, Colton Carpenter hit a bloop single that would score Gilbert from second to bring the game to a 3-2 score.

                The fifth inning was scoreless for both teams, but the sixth inning would prove to be the difference for the ‘Jackets. After loading the bases on an error, a walk and an infield single, Campbell walked to force home the tying run and Leggett did the same to force in the go ahead run. Peet then collected his second and third RBI’s of the game as he came up with a big two out single to score Carpenter and Campbell and put the ‘Jackets up 7-4.

                After getting one out in the seventh, Duchesneau gave way to Goulet, who quickly shut the door on the Highlanders. The first batter Matt faced hit a bloop to right field and Mike Burnham made a great sliding catch. Goulet then induced a pop up to short to end the game.

                Coach Geary was pleased with the pitching on the day (and how could you not be), but acknowledged that the ‘Jackets will need to tighten up the defense. While the offense was not spectacular, the players got the big hits when the needed them.

                Milton has its home opener this Saturday against Winooski at 11:00AM. Stats, schedules and more can always be found online at www.leaguelineup.com/miltonbaseball.

Independent article #2

After scrimmages against last year’s Division II runner-up Lyndon Institute, and the Milton Men’s team, the ‘Jackets appear ready to open up their 16 game season.

The ‘Jackets took on the boys from Lyndon on Thursday afternoon. Lyndon figures to be a strong presence in Division II again this year with their stud, Buddy Lamothe, returning for his senior year. Although they did not get a look at Lamothe on the mound, it was good for Milton to see some good competition before the year got started.

The pitching duties were spread very evenly on the day, with no pitcher throwing more than 2 innings. Alex Duchesneau (Sr.), Corey Hurley (Sr.), Kyle McRae (Sr.), Colton Carpenter (Sr.), Matt Goulet (Jr.), and Dylan Leggett (So.) all threw for the Yellowjackets. When Milton’s pitchers threw strikes, Coach Geary said things went well. There were some control troubles, but that is to be expected early in the year.

Some highlights of the game were defense and baserunning. Both of these aspects of the game will be crucial to Milton’s success this year. The offense did not turn many heads, but Jeremy Peet (Sr.), Patrick Gilbert (Jr.) and Hurley all looked good at the plate for the ‘Jackets.

On Saturday, Milton’s finest, both young and old (or seasoned, whichever you prefer), took the field on a crisp, sunny April morning. The scrimmage was a nine inning affair played with wood bats. Mound time was split on the day between Leggett, McRae, Garrett Baker (So.), Hurley, Nick Ferguson (Jr.) and Duchesneau. Most of the pitchers were stopped around 30 pitches.        

This was another day for pitchers to work on control and feel of secondary pitches. There were some curveballs left up in zone and changeup’s bounced in the dirt, but overall you could see that all the pitchers had made positive strides.

The concern Saturday was the spotty defensive play. Contrary to the solid defense on Thursday, the play in field against the men was below average. Milton saw too many dropped fly balls, misplayed grounders and errant throws. This is something that will have to improve for the ‘Jackets to be successful.

Offensively, the second scrimmage was very similar to the first; nothing really jumped out on the day but there were players that took some good swings. Peet, Gilbert, Goulet and Anthony Campbell (Jr.) led the offense for Milton. It is worth nothing that the wood bats paired with the cold weather did not yield ideal hitting conditions, so the Yellowjackets will surely welcome some warm temperatures and the forgiving aluminum bats.

Milton gets their season going on Tuesday with a 4:30 PM game at non-league foe, Harwood Union.  Senior Alex Duchesneau will be making the start on the mound.

Scrimmage #2

Today, the Varsity squad took on the Milton Men's team. It was a nice day for baseball (save for the wind), about 45 degrees and sunny. As Mr. Learned put it, it was probably good for the men that it wasn't any warmer because, "The temperature keeps us from trying to push it too far". Some of the men hadn't gotten much baseball action since Winter turned to Spring (at least we think...), but they came ready and very enthused to play and it turned out to be a nice day of baseball.

Sophomore Dylan Leggett started on the mound. His pitch limit was at 30 today so he got through 2 innings. He showed his good stuff once he settled down and threw strikes consistently. This will be his main goal this year as he can be very effective when he throws the ball over the plate. Overall a good outing for Dylan. 

Next to throw was senior Kyle McRae. Kyle has always had a rocket for an arm, but shoulder problems have kept him from being able to really be a factor on the mound. But this year he seems to be healthier and could be a huge weapon in the late innings. He showed good velocity on his fastball but struggled with his curveball today. That will come with more innings, as the curveball requires great touch. 

Sophomore Garrett Baker took the mound next. Garrett will anchor the JV staff this year, but got in 2 solid innings today. Again this issue here was control. Garrett showed good velocity and good movement on his pitches (especially the curveball) when he was able to stay closed and stay on top in his delivery. 

The rest of the game was pitched by Corey Hurley, Nick Ferguson and Alex Duchesneau. Hurley told me his arm was a little sore today but he still showed good velocity at times and good command of his curveball in the strike zone especially early in counts which allowed him to get ahead of hitters. 

Ferguson came in and threw strikes just like we expect him too. He had the bad fortune of some poor defense behind him that forced him to throw more pitches than necessary, but overall a solid outing. 

Finally came Duchesneau (on a 15 pitch limit) who was tuning up for his start on Tuesday against Harwood. He showed good command of his fastball on the inner half and his change up looked good again today. The change up will be a very important pitch for him this year, and thus far, it seems he has the feel for that pitch.

The issue today was the defense. Too many errors, too many dropped fly balls, too many easy plays made difficult. Some of this had to do with the friendly, non-intense atmosphere that the Men's team brought. (Not complaining about this, they were a pleasure, however, with dad's playing against son's, you can see where focus may come up short). However, as Coach Geary spoke about, times like those where it's hard to bring intensity are the times it is most important. Hopefully the boys took something away from today in that respect.

The offense was a bit weak today, but we'll go ahead and chalk it up to the wooden bats and cold temperature. However, there were some good swings today from Peet, Goulet, Campbell, Gilbert and others. I'm sure the guys will welcome some warmer weather and some more friendly aluminum.

Be sure to check back often; I'll try to update this blog as often as possible and I'll post the articles that I'm submitting to the Independent on here. First game is Tuesday @ Harwood 4:30.

2009 Varsity Preview

Last June, the Milton Varsity baseball team lost in the state semifinal to a Mt. Abraham team that was loaded with talented seniors. It took a gem from Mt. Abe’s Greg Lutton to stop the ‘Jackets in a 2-0 pitchers duel. Milton said goodbye to seniors Dwayne Ballard, Justin Bergeron, Joe Emery, Bryan Geary, and Mike Thompson, but looked forward to a 2009 season that would feature a very experienced group of players.

                The ‘Jackets had an 8-8 record in the regular season last year, but two wins in the postseason helped them finish at 10-9 overall. Coach John Geary, in his second year as the head coach, hopes experience and pitching depth will help Milton take the next step and make some noise in this year’s Division II playoffs.

                Milton’s roster is made up of nine seniors, five juniors and one sophomore. Seniors are Mike Burnham, Colton Carpenter, Alex Duchesneau, Corey Hurley (Captain), Alex Learned, Shane Mason, Kyle McRae (Captain), Mike Mullins and Jeremy Peet (Captain). Burnham and Learned return to baseball after taking their junior year off; both will see time in the outfield. Carpenter returns for his third varsity season and will be the team’s third basemen and may also see some innings out of the bullpen. Duchesneau also returns for his third varsity season, and will be at the top of the pitching rotation, bringing valuable experience from both high school and legion baseball. Hurley, another third year player, will anchor shortstop for the ‘Jackets and will also be a starting pitcher. Mason, back for his second year, could see time at both 2^nd and 3^rd base this season. McRae, in his 3^rd varsity season, will be the leader of a talented Milton outfield. Mullins, who is in his second varsity season, will be an important bat for ‘Jackets. He’ll see time at 1^st base and DH. Peet (3^rd year) returns as one of the top catchers in the state after a junior year in which he was named first team All-Metro.

 Juniors are Anthony Campbell, Nick Ferguson, Pat Gilbert, Matt Goulet and Aaron Thibault. Campbell, who is a second year varsity player, will anchor 2^nd base and may see time at shortstop when Hurley is on the mound. Ferguson, a newcomer, can play three infield positions and will provide great versatility for Milton. Gilbert, also a newcomer, will see time at first base and will add a big bat to the ‘Jackets roster. Goulet (3^rd year) should be one of the top pitchers in the state this year; he was also first team All-Metro last year along with Peet. Thibault, another newcomer, will be valuable off the Milton bench as he can play all three outfield spots. The lone sophomore is Dylan Leggett; he will have a spot in the ‘Jackets outfield and see significant time on the mound.

Pitching will be Milton’s biggest strength this season, as they have a rare combination of experience, depth and talent. Goulet (RHP), Duchesneau (RHP), Hurley (RHP) and Leggett (LHP), who will see the bulk of the starts, have worked hard in the offseason after playing very competitive summer baseball with the Colchester Cannons. Carpenter (RHP) and McRae (LHP) provide hard-throwing relief options for the ‘Jackets. Goulet led last year’s staff with a 7-0 record, 40 K’s and 8 BB in 49 IP. He also tossed three complete games. Regardless of who is on the mound, Milton will consistently run out one of the top batteries in the state as catcher Jeremy Peet is a wall behind home plate and has plenty of experience calling games. Peet will also help neutralize the opponent’s running game with his great throwing arm.

Milton’s offensive attack took a bit of a hit with the loss of the seniors, but the emergence of Goulet and Leggett in the lineup may help ease the effects. Some of the top returning bats for the ‘Jackets are: Mike Mullins (.455 BA, 1 HR, 8 RBI), Jeremy Peet (.379 BA, 11 RBI), Kyle McRae (.333 BA, 3 doubles, 5 RBI, 5 SB) and Corey Hurley (.293 BA, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 7 SB). Milton will try to rely on small ball more than the long ball this season. Look for them to be aggressive on the base paths and utilize the bunt on both the sacrifice and squeeze plays.

Coach Geary had a lot of positive things to say; he was pleased with the progress his team has made thus far through mostly indoor practices (although they have been able to get outside recently). The absence of the trip to Florida, which the team had taken the past four years, will be missed, but the ‘Jackets hope to make up the game experience with scrimmages against Division II runner-up Lyndon and the Milton Men’s baseball team. Geary summed up his season preview with this statement: “With the experience we have, this team should be in the mix for a strong postseason run.” The ‘Jackets certainly have all the elements in place, and they also have a sour taste in their mouths after being denied a spot in the state championship game a year ago.

So make sure to come out and support the Yellowjackets when you can this season. Their first scrimmage is this Thursday, April 9^th, home against Lyndon at 4:30. You can also follow Milton Baseball online at www.leaguelineup.com/miltonbaseball, where you’ll find schedules, game results, stats and updates.