By Sophia Riedi
The Santa Fe Raiders (4-1) opened their 2021 season with a win against Buchholz, who they defeated for the first time since 2010.
“We talked about being the aggressor leading up to it and I think for the most part offensively and defensively we did that,” said Coach Travis Yeckring, who enters his second year coaching the Raiders. “Good win for the program but it only counts as one and it’s a long season. We have to continue to get better.”
Yeckring mentioned how challenging their district and schedule are this season, hoping that it will prepare them for the postseason. So far, their only loss this season came in a 3-1 loss at Columbia (Lake City).
Pitcher Ryan Brown, who Yeckring credited with an “outstanding” performance against Buchholz, has 24 strikeouts already this season with a total 113 career strikeouts.
On offense, senior Devante Mitchum leads the team with 15 at bats, a .467 batting average, and seven hits so far this season.
The Raiders won their district championship in 2018 and hope to compete for it again this year.
“Our expectations are always to compete for a district title and a chance to play in the postseason,” said Yeckring.
2021 Baseball Preseason Outlook
Coach: Travis Yeckring
Years as Head Coach: entering his 2nd Season
2021 Class/District/Region: 4A District 2 Region 1
2020 Record: 6-4
Returning Starters: 6
Sr. —#12 Ryan Brown (P, OF)
Sr. —#4 Jayce Davis (C)
Sr. —#3 Greg Falck (INF)
Jr. —#1 Devan Mitchum (P,OF)
Jr. —#8 Devante Mitchum (P, INF)
Sr. —#25 John Rechsteiner (1st)
Key Losses: Asher Akridge, Jacob Deason, Dave Mitchum
Other Players to watch: Transfers Landon Rogers and Zane Starling. Freshman Conner Brown.
Key Games: 3/16 & 3/18 vs. Suwannee, 4/8 vs Clay
Outlook for 2021: “For us to be as successful as we want to be, we will need to stay healthy, defend at a high level, and have some young arms step up when their number is called.” — Coach Travis Yeckring
