Staff report
Empsy Thompson (140-144) is back for his 11th year at the helm of the Wonders. A.L. Brown owns one league co-championship (2002) and two tournament titles (2004, 2005) during his tenure. The Wonders are looking to end a string of five straight losing seasons. If there’s been one basic shortcoming, it’s been fielding.
Things haven’t been quite the same since the graduation of a super class that had Ryan Query, Garrett Sherrill, J.D. Worthington and Eddie Boger, but Thompson is optimistic.
Early season: A well-pitched loss to Hough and a comeback win against West Rowan in non-conference games, plus a 4-0 loss to Robinson ace Brody Koerner to open SPC play.
Who’s missing? Pitcher John J. Tuttle, now a Catawba freshman, was a huge loss. He gave the Wonders a chance every time he pitched.
Who’s back? Familiar faces include left-hander Dylan May, outfielder Quin Gill, outfielder/pitcher Zach Jones, catcher Ryan Blackmon and infielder Justin Kidd.
Who’s pitching? May, a talented senior who’s healthy again, will be counted on to shut someone down every week. Jones is capable of big outings.
New name to know: Thompson is excited about soph hurler Eldon Peters.
On deck: Rematch with Robinson today. May will get the ball in a game the Wonders really need if they’re going to be a factor in the SPC race.