By Katie Sullivan, Staff Writer
The Newman Jets baseball team’s season is officially in full swing as conference games have begun. The team is currently 1-5 in conference after facing the No. 2 ranked Bronchos of Central Oklahoma and the No. 1 ranked Mules of Central Missouri.
The team won one game against University of Central Oklahoma and lost all three games against Central Missouri.
“The season so far hasn’t gone exactly the way we would have liked up to this point, but we’ve learned a lot about the makeup of the team and how we can build upon our strengths moving forward,” junior pitcher Logan Dickey said.
The record may not show that the Jets are off to a good start, but teammates said there have been lessons learned in the first two conference series.
“After facing the top two teams in the conference, I think we need to focus more on attacking the team when they aren’t doing well,” senior pitcher Derek Schumann said. “There were so many opportunities that could have opened the games up in our favor.”
To make this attack possible, the Jets will be working hard in practices and mid-week games to make adjustments to their game play, team members said.
“We will be working every day on everything to better all aspects of the team,” senior infielder Devin Beard said. “I don’t think you can be satisfied with a few things and only focus on one area.”
Not only will the team be working on mechanics and skills, but there will also be a push for attitude, redshirt junior Dalton Dinkel said.
“We will be working on staying positive and trying to play the best baseball we can as a group,” Dinkel said.
With an improvement in mindset and mechanics, the team hopes for a strong end to the season, senior pitcher Ryan Boaz said.
“As we move forward, we will just continue to better our game day in and day out…We need to keep focused and keep grinding,” Boaz said. “As the season progresses, expect to see the Jets competing in every game as a well-rounded team that can swing it and pitch it.”
The team is asking fans to come out and support them as they move forward in conference play.
“We really hope we can get fans in the stands for our home games,” Dickey said. “We appreciate everyone who has come out to McCarthy Field thus far. It really helps to give us an edge over our competition.”
Your next chance to support the Jets at home is at 3 p.m. today and at noon and 3 p.m. on Friday.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Newman Athletics
