Staff report
Coach Joe Hubbard has to find a way to replace the leadership he got from a strong senior class that included Justin Seager and John Wallace, but the Trojans, who lost to East Rowan in the fourth round of the playoffs in 2010, have the talent to battle Mount Pleasant for the SPC title.
Early season: A loss to South Rowan was a little surprising, as was the win over East Rowan that followed. More ups and downs can be expected.
Who’s missing? Key losses besides Seager and Wallace were pitchers Taylor West and Kevin Hamilton and center fielder Tanner Black.
Who’s back? It starts with shortstop Corey Seager, one of the nation’s top juniors and a South Carolina commitment, and everyone loves soph second baseman Tanner Bigham’s bat. A sophomore already verbally committed to UNC, he’ll protect Seager in the lineup. Will Miller (Wingate) is a solid outfielder.
Who’s pitching? Lefty Rob Bain (Davidson) has beaten East Rowan twice. Not many people can say that.
Junior right-hander Weston Smith is a big, hard-throwing stud.
New names to know: Fast outfielder Evan Holub, hitter David Broome and pitcher Parker Wethington.
On deck: Concord today; Trojans beat the Spiders 5-3 on Tuesday.