The Lynnwood baseball team appears to be well-positioned to build on last year’s success.
Many of the key players who helped the Royals win seven games (five in the tough Western Conference South Division) are back and eager to show that they can match up well with any team in the league.
“I think we’re looking for respect this year,” Lynnwood coach Reggie Corns said. “We just have to hit. If we hit the ball, we’ll be fine. With our pitching and defense we can compete with anyone.”
Corns has yet to settle on a No. 1 starter and that actually is a positive development.
“It’s really kind of wide open,” Corns said. “The last two games John Mann has been coming in relief and he shut the door on Snohomish and Arlington. That may be his role. He’s also a good starter.”
Seniors Jason Lotzer and Logan Kiser are two others who could end up as the No. 1 starters.
The Royals lost to Snohomish (7-3) and beat Arlington (10-7). Corns describes Lynnwood as a team that never gives up, which he is glad to see.
“We’ve got a pretty solid group of kids,” Corns said. “They’re not going to quit. We got down against Snohomish. We kept battling. We had opportunities — bases loaded. We didn’t come up with key hits. They’re a scrappy group.”
The Royals have experience in just about every position except for first base, at least for several weeks. Returning starter Steve Llewellyn suffered a broken wrist and isn’t expected back until the middle of the season. His replacement is sophomore Colin Samuelson.
The rest of the infield includes Kyle Hoerner at second base, Mann at shortstop when he’s not pitching and Ryan Desimone at third base.
“We’re solid on the corners and solid up the middle,” Corns said of his infield.
The outfield is anchored by senior center fielder Karl Rodriguez.
Lynnwood possesses some decent power with Mann, Horner, Desimone, Lotzer and Rodriguez. Mann hit the Royals’ first home run of the season, while Horner had a triple. Desimone led the team in doubles last season.
Corns acknowledges that the Royals face a difficult task going up against such 4A teams as Jackson and Mountlake Terrace. Crosstown rival Meadowdale, a 3A school, has advanced to the state semifinals the last two years.
But Corns and more importantly his players feel that Lynnwood has the talent to battle with those teams.
“They believe in themselves and that they can compete with anyone,” Corns said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
