Baseball Preview: James Wood

Coach: Jared Mounts, 10th year.

Last year: 6-16, 3-5 (Northwestern).

Key losses: Matt Copley, P/SS; Tyler Dick, C; Daniel Garber, 1B.

Key returners: A.J. Eubank, Sr., 2B; Jordan Iden, Sr., P/SS; Addison Barber, Jr., P/1B; Russell Repasky, Jr., 3B.

Key newcomers: Neal Cybulski, Sr., C; Andy Kennedy, Jr., OF; Daniel Malsch, Jr., UTL; Kyle Hevner, Sr., CF; Zach Webster, Sr., OF; Tyler Payne, Sr., OF; Scott Zereull, Sr., OF.

Outlook: The Colonels had trouble scoring runs last season and Eubank (13 runs) is the only returning player that crossed the plate more than 10 times. Mounts said his team is preparing well for the season and infielders Iden and Repasky could provide more punch at the plate.

"Our players are coming together as a team," Mounts said. "Our success this season will be determined by our ability to make adjustments at the plate and a strong work ethic to get better each day."

A crafty left-hander, Barber (32 strikeouts) gives James Wood pitching experience. Iden (20 strikeouts) also will have a more important role on the mound to try and help stabilize the staff.

Opener: Tonight vs. Tuscarora, 6