By Sophia Riedi
The Union County High School baseball team is currently undefeated so far this season, sitting at 11-0.
“We really hope to challenge for the district championship this year,” said third year Coach Travis Rimes.
With eight returning starters, their starting lineup is solid.
Through four games, sophomore Manny Covey got off to a blistering start by leading the team with a .667 AVG and six hits.
“We feel we have one of the best defenses in the state,” said Coach Rimes.
One of The Fightin’ Tigers closest results has come from a 1-0 win on Friday, March 12, at home against Lafayette (Mayo), who they will face again on Friday, April 2.
Coach Rimes stated that “we feel like our offense should score runs,” which seems to be the case as the team has outscored their opponents 78-32 through 11 games.
Their latest win came against Branford on March 19 with a score of 1-0. Another close game on March 12 was their 1-0 win over Lafayette (Mayo).
To keep up with the Fightin’ Tigers, be sure to check out their Instagram (@uchbaseball), and/or their Twitter page, where they post regularly.
2021 Baseball Preseason Outlook
Coach’s name: Travis Rimes
Years as head coach: 3
2021 Class/District/Region: 1A 6 District/ Region 3
2020 Overall Record: 7-2
Number of returning starters: 8
Sr. —#27 Tripp Davis (RHP/3B) lead in BA / 1.43 ERA, 19 strike outs, RHP
Sr. —#5 Paden Clyatt (C) lead team in HR’s and RBI
Jr. —#4 Jake O’Steen (SS/2B) lead team in stolen bases (St Johns River State commit)
Jr. —#3 Quinten Rawls (SS/RHP) hit .350 1-1
Jr. —#13 Eli Rimes (UTL/RHP) lead team in wins 2-0
Jr. —#24 Jay Cohen (CF) hit .350
Sr. —#10 Jeret Lee (RF) hit .250
Jr. —#48 Luke Johns (RHP) 1-0
Key losses:
Tate Worell (1B) to Kings University
Other players to watch:
Sr. —#7 Braxton Dukes (LHP) Tallahassee Community College commit
Sr. —#16 Whip Davis (RHP/1B) Big powerful arm mid 80’s velocity
So. —#9 Manny Covey (speedy outfielder)
Key games:
“Lafayette (4/2), Ft White (4/13) and Hamilton (3/30) are always tough district opponents. IMG (3/22, 3/23) and Trinity Catholic (4/15) will be top notched competition.”—Coach Travis Rimes
Outlook for 2021:
“Must find one or two more pitchers to get through a very difficult schedule. We must throw strikes as a pitching staff, we must force our opponents to earn their way on base. we have the potential to have a really good lineup.” —Coach Travis Rimes
