The Sulphur baseball team wrapped up its summer season this week at the Calera Tournament, as the Dogs have continued to build on another solid spring season.
Sulphur is coming off a 21-16 season in the spring, the second straight 20-win season for the program.
The Dogs return all but one senior from a year ago and will look to make the state tournament for the first time in 20 years.
Head coach Mike Matlack has been impressed with the drive and motivation from his team this summer.
“The thing I’ve been most pleased with is, the way the guys that want to get better have dedicated themselves this summer,” he said.
The Dogs return a host of players and all but Maddax Mobly, who is out with an injury, have been playing this summer.
“It’s really tough to say who has stood out this summer with so many returning starters,:” Matlack said. “Everyone has made strides forward and showed signs of greatness at some point this season.”
Matlack’s son, Cash, was named to the All-District team with Mobly and graduating senior Eathin Kennedy this past spring.
Cash Matlack led the team with 42 hits, 10 doubles, two homers and 33 RBIs. He also stole 25 bases.
He finished the year behind only Mobly with a .368 average, a .457 on-base percentage and .965 slugging percentage.
Colten Cole also returns after hitting .302 as as sophomore with nine doubles and 24 RBIs. He had a .426 on-base percentage and an .813 slugging percentage.
Briar Davenport is also back after a solid sophomore season, hitting .354 with a homer and 19 RBIs.
He was also 3-2 on the mound with a 2.76 ERA in three starts for the Dogs in 25.1 innings.
Jett Runyan and Bridge Barrett are the top two returning starters for Sulphur.
Runyan made six starts and 15 appearances, finishing with a 2-2 record and a 3.08 ERA across 45.1 innings.
Barrett was 5-1 on the mound in five starts, compiling a 1.33 ERA across eight appearances and 26.1 innings.
Sulphur has kept it simple this summer, focusing on fundamentals and improving in all three ares of the game.
“Our focus as a staff and team is to continue to stress the three fundamentals of the game - pitching, defense, and hitting,” he said. “That we can play and compete with anybody as long as we don’t beat ourselves.”
Matlack is hoping his team can get off to a fast start next spring, which is why he believes this summer is setting the foundation for that.
“I am hoping we can be more prepared on March 1,” he said. “Our season is a grind and the better we are prepared, the better we will be as a unit.”
Matlack and his staff have been working hard this summer, as the varsity, JV and junior high have kept the Sulphur coaches busy.
“I want to say a big thank you to my amazing coaching staff,” he said. “Coach Barnes, Coach Hickman, Coach Muck and Coach Scroggins have all done such a great job. These are the ones who make my life easier with their hard work and dedication to our program.”
