2005

Future Looks,Brighter·For Diamond ~arriors SPECIAL TOTHE TIMES s uffered a .-. .

career-ending m)ury. Fortenberry lost an eye after being struck by a hard-liner during a preseason scrim– mage. Despite the handicap, FOrtenberry said he is optimistic about returning tO' themound "I always dreamed of playing college baseball, and I still want to see if I can make it work. I guess I also like to prove' people wrong. So many have told me that I would not play again," FOrtenberrysaid Yarborough said FOrtenberry is adjust– ing well to his return to the team. "John is doing fine. He's healthy and happy to be back. I expect him to have a big impact on the team this year: I also expect him to have a good season on the mound," Yarborough said Yarborough said top returnees on the pitching staff include Josh Miller, Cody Savell and Kevin Hatch, each of whom had impressive stats during fall competi– tion. Miller put up the most impressive num– bers last fall by fanning 28 batters in 22 innings of work. He allowed 15 hits. SavelL a right-hander, also had a suc– cessful fall campaign as he struck out 17 batters over 18 innings and also gave up 15 hits. Hatch, a right-hander, posted 12 strike outs in 18 inni~ of worlt and allowed 13 hits. Yarborough said Hatdl, a side-ann hurlel; will be the top relieYer this spring.

DECATUR-After struggling through last's year 12-29 campaign, which was hampered by injuries to several key play– ers, the outlook seems much brighter this season for the East Central Community College baseball team. The Diamond Warriors, who began :ro5 action by hosting Copiah-Lincoln Community College, are healthy and were ready to get the season underway, said fourth-year head coach Jake Yarborough. Although Yarborough was hesitant to predict wins and losses, he is confident that this year's squad has what it takes to be successful "This is the bestdefensive team that we have had in a while. We are very solid on the infield and we've gotgood speed in the outfield Our pitchers are especially excit– ed about our defense. We also have good team speed, and I expect us to be success– ful running the bases," YarbOrough said Scott County native players on the ros– ter include James Harris, shortstop; Ken Gordon, catcher; and John Harris, out– fielder, all of Morton. The roster also includes Josh Hawkins, catcher, and Wes Cox, first base, both of Forest. Among p~rs who experienced a sea– SOl'HDiing injury was freshman pitdler Jolm~whomanytmugbthad

ECCCPHOTO Scott County members of the 2005DiamondWarrior baseballteam at EastCentral Comllllllllty Col.._ In Decatur and their respective high schools Include (seated, from left) outfleldef John Harris and short– stoP James Hants, both of Morton; and (standing, from left) c:atdler Josh Hawkins and ftnt b••....,. Wes Cox, both of Forest; lnl catcher Ken Gordon, Molton. Jake Yarborough seMIS as held COIICh. Dusty ......... lsaslstant coach. Another top returnee on the mound is Andre Coleman.

runs, four doubles and 13 RBis. Wilson, an outfielder, posted a .300 aver– age and slugged two home runs and five doubles during fall competition. ~ a catcher/ outfielder, also batted .360, and Davis, an outfielder/ pitcher, had a .ro> average with two home runs. Davisbatted .289 in D>4 and had five home nms, two triples. fbur doublll!s and 'Z1 RBis.

Yarborough said top sluggers during fall competition were Corey Coward, Van Wilson, Taylor Pettyand Marcus Davis. Coward, a catdler/first baseman, bat– ted .422 with one home nmandseven dou– bJeslast fall. He oompleted theD>4 season with a .4?3 average am had two home

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