Bamberg-Ehrhardt young but talented nine looking to compete for the region title

By Neill Kirkpatrick

Special to the HSSR

Bamberg – When you have won a state record fifteen state baseball championships the expectations will always be high because you are the standard for excellence on the diamond, such is the life of the Bamberg Ehrhardt Red Raiders.

The Red Raiders have gotten off to a good start to the season. After dropping their opening game to Saluda 8-4 they have won six straight games to move 6-1/ 1-0. They are averaging over eight runs a game and the pitching staff is holding teams to under .200 batting average and less than three runs a game.

“Our pitching has been really good so far this year,” said Head coach Gene Schwarting. “We are a very young team this year with only one senior, but this group is talented.”

Coach continued, “We have some good teams in our region and in lower state so we will have our work cut out for us but if we can continue improve, we can compete for the region and the playoffs. Our guys practice and play hard and really enjoy the game, which is fun to watch, so hopefully we can make a long run this season.”

The Red Raiders lone senior is a good one, in All State and All Region catcher Colin Wolfe. He is the team’s leader and is an asset to the young pitching staff. He also sees time in the outfield and on the mound.

Junior Weston Stokes is also a returning All Region performer. He is the team’s top pitcher and when he is not on the bump he handles the shortstop duties.

“We lean on Colin and Weston as they have experience that they can share with their teammates, “said coach Schwarting.

The rest of the pitching staff consists of Tripp Brewer, Brian McMillan, and Dakota Black. Coach said they have all looked good on the mound and have been a big plus for us so far this year all have pitched well early in the year. Black plays second base and McMillian is a utility player when they are not on the hill.

The rest of the starting lineup: Brent Amaker in the outfield, Walker Summers at first base, Garrett Wade in the infield, Cooper Sandifer plays where needed, Nasi Singleton in the outfield, Chase Collins in the infield and BJ Ayer in the infield.

The Red Raiders have a break coming up and then they will back on the diamond in April when they take on Edisto.