Strong Performances Highlight Fall Season
Although a 2-7 fall mark would appear disappointing on the surface, there were plenty of reasons for optimism within the CM squad. Very competitive games and exceptional individual performances were the silver lining to a cloudy fall. The Mustang nine could easily have enjoyed a winning record with a couple of favorable breaks.
Justin Staires enjoyed a season with eye-popping numbers at the plate. Staires led the team in batting (.600), slugging (1.300), on-base (.636), hits (18), RBI (19), doubles (3), triples (3) and homers (4).
Cody Hadley was the ace of the pitching staff with a 2.20 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 28.2 innings of work. Hadley also led the Mustangs in runs scored (10) and walks (7) while compiling a .333 batting average.
Whitney Lofgren-Cross emerged as a reliable pitcher to compliment Hadley, finishing with a 1-0 record, 3.23 ERA and 14 strikeouts in thirteen innings. He also contributed a .310 batting average.
Late season addition Justin Cocroft added a punch to the offense with speed and grit to go along with a .389 batting average. Cocroft also scored seven runs and drove in four, as well as adding two solid starts on the hill.
Freshman catcher Dalton Dunphy emerged to start the final eight games of the season behind the dish. Dunphy enjoyed a .387 on base percentage to supplement his solid defensive work behind the plate. Dunphy’s ability to keep the ball in front of him allowed CM hurlers the confidence to use all their pitches.
