Bulldogs 2-2 in start

First year head coach Shane Collins is eager to get his Bulldogs on the diamond and play some ball. 

Formerly the assistant baseball coach for two years, Collins is manning the ship for Wayne this year.

He plans to lean heavily on the experience of juniors Andy Lee and Ethan Mullins as well as sophomores Kaleb Madden and Rhett Kennedy.

“Those four guys have the experience out there for us to utilize as the season plays out,” Collins said.

Lee is a three-year starter on the mound for Wayne while Mullins has been in the field as short stop for the last three years as well.

The lone senior on the team is Talon Trent. 

Collins has his lineup set as the season is already underway.

Lee will see most of his time pitching for the Bulldogs. Madden will be starting catcher.

Infielders include first baseball Lane Jones, second baseball Kennedy, third baseman Brian Ibarra, short stop Mullins.

Three juniors will man the outfield with Nic Linker in left, Jr. Perez in center and Braxton Smith in right.

Collins has his schedule scouted out and knows that beating Dibble and Wynnewood are keys. 

Also, Colbert double header, scheduled for after spring break, are important games for district play. 

Last week, to kick off their season, Wayne fell to Purcell, 11-1, and Rush Springs, 8-1.

“We struggled to swing the bat in those first couple of games. 

“We have to put the ball in play and limit our errors. If we can do those two things, we’ll have a chance in a lot of ball games,” Collins said.

On Monday, Wayne beat Dibble, 17-5, and Wynnewood, 15-5. These wins evened their season record to 2-2.

Lee was the leading batter in the win over Dibble. He had five RBIs in three at-bats to help his Bulldogs.

Jones had three RBIs and Madden had two.

The sixth inning was prolific for both teams as Dibble scored four runs, but Wayne bested them with ten of their own.

Mullins got the win for the Bulldogs. He pitched five innings and allowed just one run with three strikeouts. 

Madden came in in relief for the final inning.

In their second game of the day, Wayne beat Wynnewood 15-5.

The bats were hot for the Bulldogs as they collected 12 hits including multiple hits from Jones, Lee, Madden and Ibarra.

Lee pitched for Wayne through five innings. He allowed eight hits and five runs. He notched eight strike outs. 

The Bulldogs were back at it Tuesday in Frederick. They were scheduled to be in Apache Thursday and in Central Marlow for games with Elmore City and the Bronchos.