Hitting the diamond

The spring baseball and softball preseason is in full swing this week as Warwick high school teams get geared up for the upcoming season. Here is an early look at where they stand as Opening Day approaches.

BASEBALL

Bishop Hendricken

Last year’s finish: 17-1 (fell in DI pod final)

Key returners: Griffin Crain, Jack LaRose, Ryan Thompson, Braeden Campbell, Frank Tillinghast

Key losses: Alex Clemmey, Jay Pilderian, Anthony Mena

Outlook: After coming up short at the hands of eventual champion Cumberland last spring, the Hawks look to get back into the championship mix and take a step forward to hoisting the title. Last year’s ace Alex Clemmey was drafted by the Cleveland Guardians, but much of Hendricken’s core remains intact, which includes Division I MVP Griffin Crain as well as Jack LaRose, Ryan Thompson and Braeden Campbell. Hendricken is poised to be a Division I favorite.

Pilgrim

Last year’s finish: 6-12 (missed playoffs)

Key returners: Dylan Roberts, Henry Kearns, Jack McConnell, AJ Ferreira, Chace Roberts

Key losses: Robert Court, Robert Vale

Outlook: Last year was a rebuilding season for the Pats, who wound up missing the postseason. Fortunately for Pilgrim, though, it returns much of the same core that will now be experienced and ready to take a step forward. Leading the way will be ace AJ Ferreira, who emerged as an elite starter on the mound and should be in the mix as one of the state’s top arms in 2024.

Toll Gate

Last year’s finish: 5-13 (missed playoffs)

Key returners: Jamie Luna, Jeremie Luna, Brayden Ogden, Dylan Perreault, Geoff Laliberte

Key losses: Domenic Calise, Brayden Adler-Maranhao, Brady MacCarone

Outlook: The Titans struggled to find consistency in 2023 but are looking to improve in 2024. Toll Gate returns much of its pitching staff which includes Brayden Ogden, Geoff Laliberte and Luca Barletta, who all logged significant innings on the mound last season. If the team’s staff collectively takes a step forward with experience, Toll Gate can find its way back to the postseason.

SOFTBALL

Pilgrim

Last year’s finish: 16-2 (fell in losers’ bracket final)

Key returners: Genna D’Amato, Audra McDonnell, Marin Prest

Key losses: Alyssa Twomey, Gillian Brown, Madison Wrench, Sophia Chevian

Outlook: The Pats will need to find answers after seeing Alyssa Twomey graduate. Twomey was the state’s best pitcher and also leaves a hole in the middle of the lineup. The Pats boast one of the best feeder systems in the state and should have plenty of options to replace the production left by the Gatorade Player of the Year. Genna D’Amato’s leadership will be key in the Pats returning to the playoffs and going on another run.

Toll Gate

Last year’s finish: 3-12 (missed playoffs)

Key returners: Delaney Wilson, Amanda Preston, Emma Harrold, Abby O’Connor

Key losses: Sydnee Perreault, Julia Krause, Marlee Walsh, Katie Motta

Outlook: The Titans dealt with a slow start last season and were unable to turn things around down the stretch. With Delaney Wilson and Emma Harrold returning, Toll Gate will have options in the circle while Amanda Preston and Abby O’Connor should provide some pop at the plate. Getting off to a fast start will be huge for this team as it looks to rebound.