2018 Sierra Vista Baseball Capsule

SIERRA VISTA

Head coach: Joe Moyes, second season

2017 record: 14-12 (7-11 Southwest/fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (five)

Top players: OF/3B Cooper Kitrell (Sr.), SS/P Nick Morice (Sr.), OF Cody Culpepper (Sr.), 1B/P/3B Daymian Yohner (Sr.), 2B/P/SS Alex Chavira (Jr.)

Outlook: The Mountain Lions narrowly missed out on a playoff berth last year.

Kitrell (.425, 5 triples, 2 home runs), Morice (.290, 15 RBIs), Yohner (.311) and Culpepper (.270) are expected to be among the leaders on offense, and Chavira (4-1, 2.23 ERA) is expected to be among the leaders on the mound.

“Despite low numbers this year, the Lions will be fighting for a playoff spot utilizing a strong senior class with an abundance of pitching,” Moyes said. “The catching corps has also gained valuable experience over the offseason.

“Strong pitching and defense will be key for the Mountain Lions this season.”