The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk baseball team is in search of consistency this season.
The Indians played well at times in 2012, but they struggled to score runs against the elite Colonial Council teams.
“That was our problem last year,” said Ravena coach Bob Dorrance. “And that’s a concern right now because it was a problem last year.”
The Indians return several key players from last year’s team including shortstop Tim Hughes, first baseman Kyle Almindo, catcher Tyler Thompson and pitchers Connor Zeoli and Kyle Pentak. Christian Hodson returns to the team after taking the 2012 season off.
Pitching shouldn’t be a problem for Ravena with Hughes and Zeoli anchoring the starting rotation. Pentak will also be a key member of the staff, but he has to wait at least two weeks to take the pitcher’s mound after being diagnosed with tendonitis in his throwing arm.
“He was one of my top pitchers last year, and I’m anxious to get him back,” said Dorrance.
Ravena begins its season Monday, April 8, when it hosts Lansingburgh in the first of its 14 Colonial Council games.
“I don’t really know what to expect,” said Dorrance. “I expect the Colonial Council to be stacked once again.”
Neighboring Voorhees-ville is one of the teams vying for the league title this season. The Blackbirds are coming off their first Sectional title after winning the Class C championship last season, but they graduated several players from that team.
Voorheesville begins its season Wednesday with a non-league game against Duanesburg. The Blackbirds then host a tournament Saturday at Swift Road Park before starting the league season Monday, April 8, against Cobleskill-Richmondville.