St. Dom’s baseball 2017 preview

Coach: Bob Blackman (14th year)

Class: C; Conference: WMC

Last year’s record: 15-3 (lost in Class C South semifinals)

Returning athletes: Seniors — Justin Keaney (P/Util), Bobby Shelley (OF); Junior — Mack Pelletier (P/SS); Sophomore — Riley Volpe (P/1B).

Key losses: Nate Richard, Austin Roy, Gavin Bates.

Promising newcomers: None at press time.

Season outlook: With four road games to start the season and six freshmen and four sophomores on the 14-man roster, the Saints probably won’t be fighting for a top seed. But they usually save their best for the end of the season and they do have some solid pieces to build around. Keaney, a four-year starter, will play wherever that day’s starting pitcher normally plays when he himself isn’t on the mound. Shelley is a three-year starter in the outfield. Pelletier and Volpe will be asked to help fill the pitching void left by the departure of Bates, who transferred to Kents Hill. They will count on their defense and fundamentals to keep them in the playoff hunt while the roster matures.