Last year was a painful introduction to Moore League baseball for Poly coach Brent Lavoie, whose team went 6-6 in league, losing every game to the league’s other playoff teams. The Jackrabbits (8-8, 1-0) were competitive in all but one of those losses, with five of them coming by nine runs including a 1-0 loss to Lakewood and a 2-1 loss in twelve innings to Wilson.
“I think I’ve got a good idea this year of what it takes to win in this league and how to compete at a high level,” said Lavoie. “I like our chances this year.”
Lavoie’s optimism in based in part around the Jackrabbits’ strong senior class, led by Fresno State signee EJ Andrews, four-year varsity player Mike Mauai, and Nolan Brown.
“They’re leaders, they lead by example and I love what they bring to the table,” said Lavoie.
Poly has another legit bat in the lineup in junior Chris Murphy, the team’s smooth shortstop. The biggest question mark is on the mound, where Lavoie is asking sophomores Will Hallock and Tim Fife to carry a lot of the load.
“Not because we have to throw them in the fire, but because they’ve earned it,” said Lavoie.
Poly’s been bitten by the injury bug and started the season with four starters on the bench. Top the bottom the team’s lineup packs a little more power this year, as well as speed that Lavoie hopes to create pressure with on the basepaths.
