Lewiston 2016 baseball preview

Coach: Will Emerson (first year)

Conference: KVAC Coach: A North

Last year’s record: 5-12, lost in preliminary round

Returning players: Seniors — Brady Cusson (2B/P), Corey Harvey (OF), Austin Wing (P/3B); Juniors — Chris Osgood (C), Jared Rubin (3B/P), Jacob Strout (UT), Nick Powers (OF), Eddie Turgeon (OF); Sophomores — Brock Belanger (C/SS/P), Gordon Beckwith (UT), Evan Cox (P/UT).

Key losses: Ryan Bell (CF), Kyle Ullrich (P), Carter Chabot (1B), Mike Wong (SS/P).

Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Ben Chasse (P/1B); Freshmen — Hunter Landry (P/1B), Jack LeBlond (2B).

Season outlook: Emerson, a 2008 St. Dom’s graduate who spent the past several summers playing in independent leagues, takes over a relatively young club but one with substantial varsity experience. The coach expects senior tri-captains Cusson, Harvey and Wing to provide solid leadership. Wing will be the ace. The Devils’ infield is solid defensively but will have to be flexible, since most of those athletes also will be called upon to pitch. Another playoff berth is within reach if the Devils can manufacture runs and develop pitching depth.