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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

A Mound Of Concern? Ev, Wv Both In Need Of Pitching Help

Frontier baseball

When West Valley and East Valley baseball teams take to the field this year, there will be a certain unfamiliarity about their lineups.

A total of 18 players from the two teams have graduated, leaving coaches seeking replacements, particularly on the pitcher’s mound.

“We’re starting from scratch,” said WV coach Ray Riggin whose team played in regionals last year. The Eagles return only two regulars from last year’s team.

EV wasn’t hit quite as hard. The Knights bring back seven players, including one experienced pitcher.

“If the seniors do a good job of leading,” said coach Kurt Krauth, “we can be pretty successful.”

The Valley schools are part of a four-team Frontier League. The schools will play each other in two doubleheaders for a total of 12 games.

Other eight non-league games will come against surrounding area schools.

Are Eagles a year away?

A small senior class means a young team at West Valley, following a season-long trend.

“We have only two seniors,” said Riggin. “Next year we’ll be tough.”

Junior centerfielder Chris Hilsabeck, a third-year starter, and shortstop Ian Harty are the most experienced Eagles.

Second baseman Jeff Thew and outfielder Seth Nyberg are the only seniors.

Pitching is the big question mark. Joe Cahalan, Shane Bilderback, third-baseman Eric Biesen, outfielder Corey Cossette and freshman Matt Risley, also an outfielder, are the candidates.

Ryan Box and Matt Hietala catch, Hietala and Brad Mertens are at first base. Sophomore Tony Kopp plays second.

Also on the team are sophomore infielder Jason Hollifield and junior EV transfer Jerry Jameson.

In his six years as coach, Riggin’s teams have won three league championships, two district titles and been to regionals twice.

“I’ll have to coach this year,” he deadpanned. “For five years I’d just throw the ball out and we’d start playing.”

EV a mix of youth, experience

While still young, the Knights are as experienced as any team in league.

Kris Allen was the No. 2 Knight starter last year.

“He shut out Cheney and kept us in games,” said Krauth.

Joining him on the mound is junior shortstop Raymond Ruiz, a third-year starter, and juniors Josh Bauch and Allen Krant, who threw for the junior varsity.

Veterans include third-year varsity senior centerfielder Jeff Shaffer, junior second-team all-Frontier second baseman Justin Lanphere, first-baseman T.J. Horgan and catchers Ryan Stengle and Chris Morgan.

Juniors Steve Henderson, an outfielder-first baseman, and catcher Ty Windhorst are joined by junior infielder Adam Stultz, sophomore outfielders David Marlow and Isaiah Hankel, and freshman infielder Shae Lanphere vying for varsity berths.

“We’re a young group,” said Krauth. “By the end of the season we will be hitting our stride.”

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