Meadowdale baseball coach Bill Hummel is convinced his team’s offensive woes in its season opener were just an aberration.

The Mavericks managed only four hits and struck out 12 times in an 8-1 non-conference loss to Bothell March 15 at Meadowdale High School.

The second-year coach isn’t too concerned, though.

“We were a little rusty,” Hummel said. “We struggled at the plate. Bothell threw some good arms … our focus is to be more aggressive at the plate.”

Meadowdale doesn’t have much power in the lineup. The Mavericks instead will try to take advantage of their team speed.

“I think we’ll be a good line-drive-hitting team,” Hummel said. “We’ll bunt, hit and run and try to be very aggressive on the base paths. We’ll try to manufacture some runs. I feel pretty confident in our hitting.”

Starting pitcher Dave Anderson was roughed up in the first two inning as the Cougars scored five runs. But he settled down and pitched well the next four innings.

The senior lefthander is expected to see a lot of action this season.

“He’s got a pretty good fastball, an excellent changeup as well as a good slider,” Hummel said. “He can interchange the curve and slider for a breaking ball. He’s a pretty good four-pitch pitcher.”

The Mavericks’ other principal starter is junior righthander Rick Denham, a power pitcher who throws in the high 80s and low 90s.

“He has great control and great command,” Hummel said. “He’s a bulldog on the mound. He’s very aggressive. He really likes to challenge hitters.”

The relief roles will fall to sophomore right hander Jake Haight and freshman right hander Chase Anselment.

Meadowdale’s lone freshman is a versatile player who will see action at different positions.

“He’s a freshman who just has an electric arm. He’s been very impressive,” Hummel said. “He’s earned a spot in our lineup as a DH. He can catch, play outfield. He’s just a terrific all-around ballplayer.”

The Mavericks are a relatively young team with only four returning starters — senior Tim Ramberg at first base; Denham at pitcher and infield; senior Chris Wood in the outfield; and senior Mike Anderton in the outfield.

Meadowdale, which struggled in the field last season, should be a better defensive club. The Mavericks committed 30 errors in its first 12 games last year.

Hummel doesn’t expect a repeat, especially given the time new assistant varsity coach Alan Paves has spent with the infield.

“The defense is much improved,” Hummel said. “We have really focused on improving our infield defense.”

With so many new varsity starters, it may take a little time for all of the new starters to come together as a cohesive unit. Ultimately, the relationships among the players are going to determine Meadowdale’s success on the field.

“One thing we’ve talked about as a group is our success depends on how well this group comes together as a team, how team chemistry shapes up,” Hummel said. “We’ve got a freshman. We’ve got some upperclassmen and lots of people in between. They’re a terrific group of kids.

“I’m very confident we’re going to come together well.”