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NTL BASEBALL: TOWANDA SET TO REBOUND IN 2022 (2022-03-25)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Last year was a year to forget for the Towanda Black Knight baseball squad, one in which, while not necessarily playing poorly, seemed to always have that one inning that ruined otherwise strong efforts on the field.

“We have a little bit more of a serious approach, but, the main thing is to put together seven full innings,” said coach Karl Raffin. “That’s kind’ve been our stressing point right now. I stated it before, last year, we lost a lot of games where we just had one inning where we just completely imploded, so, it’s just about trying to play a complete game, and seven full innings - that’s what you expect.”


The players echoed that sentiment.


“We have to stay the course,” said Octavious Chacona. “Not get too upset, not lose our cool if you let up a run or two. You’ve got to breathe, relax, and you got to take the next guy on the mound, and make sure everyone’s invested in what we’re doing.”


They went on to win three of their last five a year ago, including a walk-off victory over their rivals Wyalusing, so there is some good they’d like to carry over to this year.


“We have four or five returning starters that we’re a big part of that end of season success we had,” said Raffin. “Hopefully, we can build on that and roll into the beginning of this season.”


A few of those key players are Chase Parker, who had a .447 average to go with 10-RBI, Owen Clark, who hit .323 a year ago, Octavious Chacona, who was .258 from the plate with 11-RBI, Alex Bowman, who hit .261 with 10-RBI, Garrett Chapman, who hit .234 with 11-RBI, and Aaron Bardell, who hit .235.


Pitching wise Chacona led the team in innings with 37 on the year, sporting a solid 4.162 ERA with a team leading 50 strikeouts to go with 27 walks, and 51 hits.


He knows he may be called upon to carry the load once again this year, and is doing his best to start off the season strong.


“Making sure that you’re staying in shape, keep the legs in shape,” said Chacona. “Making sure you’re working on your spots, hitting your locations - making sure that you’re leading the team, making sure everyone stays accounted for, and making sure they know what they’ve got to do.”


Chapman is another pitcher who saw quite a bit of action last year, pitching 17 1/3-innings with 14 strikeouts, and a 3.23 ERA.


“We’re just going to keep our heads down, and pitch away,” said Chapman. “We know we can.”


Raffin believes he has two good ones in Chacona and Chapman.


“They’re both seniors, and they both threw really well down the tail end of the season last year,” he said.


The veteran coach also believes he has a plethora of arms behind them.


“Alex Bowman, right now, looks like he’s going to log some innings,” said Raffin. “And then probably some younger guys are going to have to step up, but those are the main guys right now.”


Speaking of younger talent, both coaches and players can’t say enough good things about the newcomers this year.


“Rylee Sluyter has a good opportunity to be catcher, Tegan Irish came out for the team this year - we’re excited about him,” said Raffin. “Jack Wheaton is a kid we’re pretty excited about, but, in general, the freshmen group coming in this year, there’s some pretty decent talent, and they have all really good attitudes so far.”


All those players have infused the team with optimism.


“It’s fun to see a lot of kids out here,” said Chapman. “I think we’re going to have a pretty good season with all those kids. It’s awesome, I love it.”


It’s also forced the upperclassmen into mentorship roles in order to get the most of that talent.


“It’s fun,” said Chacona. “I love the group of kids we’ve got, I think we have a lot of potential. The kids are responding really well, they’re playing great, from what I’ve heard they all like it. So, you know, I’m having a really good time.”


“I’m trying to be a good role mode for the kids,” remarked Chapman. “Just hustling around, and doing what I need to be doing.”


Raffin hopes that all those ingredients combined will add up to a team that can play .500 ball, and make the district playoffs.


“That’s the goal every year,” he said. “Compete for a league championship, get back into districts, advance in districts. Let’s have a winning season, turn it around, get back to what we’re accustomed to.”


ROSTER

Aaron Bardell

Shane Atwood

Octavious Chacona

Talen Irish

Alex Bowman

Mason Jenner

Cameron Fields

Tim Parker

Carson Watkins

Chase Parker

Rylee Sluyter

Owen Clark

Dawson Butts

Teagan Irish

Kaleb Casselbury

Austin Fowler

Connor Barnes

Garrett Chapman

Gianni Assante

Jack Tavani

Nate West

Jack Wheaton

Riley Vanderpool

Easton Kelley


SCHEDULE

March 25 vs Williamson, 4:30 p.m.

March 29 at CV, 4:30 p.m.

March 31 vs Sayre, 4:30 p.m.

April 2 vs Elk Lake, 11 a.m.

April 4 vs Athens, 4:30 p.m.

April 6 at Wyalusing, 4:30 p.m.

April 8 at NPM, 4:30 p.m.

April 12 vs Wellsboro, 4:30 p.m.

April 14 at Troy, 4:30 p.m.

April 19 at Canton, 4:30 p.m.

April 21 at NEB, 4:30 p.m.

April 23 at Notre Dame, 11 a.m.

April 25 at South Williamsport, 4:30 p.m.

April 27 at Athens, 4:30 p.m.

April 29 vs Wyalusing, 4:30 p.m.

May 2 vs Montgomery, 4:30 p.m.

May 3 vs NPM, 4:30 p.m.

May 5 at Wellsboro, 4:30 p.m.

May 9 vs Troy, 4:30 p.m.

May 11 vs Canton, 4:30 p.m.



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