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Bedford baseball looks to win LEL crown

by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Bedford -- Entering his third year as Bedford head baseball coach, Pete Priola has seen some gradual improvement during this tenure.

Last year, the Bearcats finished the season going 8-11 overall, but 7-3 in the Lake Erie League Erie Division.

"It was kind of a disappointment last year," Priola said. "I expected more. We got some big wins, but we also lost some contests out on the field. It was a so-so season."

This year, Priola said his team's continued improvement should allow them into the LEL title race despite the loss of solid players Brian Sharkey, Woody Caver, Corey Sharma and Zak Stephanov to graduation.

"Gradually, we keep getting better each year that I've been here," Priola said. "This year, we should be able to compete for the title. I think it's a two-team race between us and Cleveland Heights."

The revamped baseball Erie Division will include the Bearcats, Cleveland Heights, Maple Heights, Warrensville Heights and Shaw this spring.

Against that group, Priola believes the Bearcats can be competitive, largely because the 'Cats have their deepest pitching staff since Priola's arrival.

Leading that staff will be senior Clinton Auzzene, who was Bedford's No. 2 pitcher last season and also played shortstop.

"He went 3-2 last year against some very good teams," Priola said. "He's got an average fastball, he's got a really good curveball and a really good slider. He's very accurate and doesn't walk a lot of batters."

Auzzene will also serve as Bedford's lead-off hitter and start at short when not on the mound.

Senior left-hander Alex Gatlin will slide in as Bedford's No. 2 starter, after not being used as much as he should have last year, according to Priola. When not on the mound, Gatlin will serve as Bedford's startling left fielder and should hit clean-up for the Bearcats.

"From the time he was a freshman until now, it's amazing to see how much he's improved," Priola said.

Junior Mikiah Brown, a junior varsity call-up, will see time as Bedford's No. 3 starter and in the outfield. He will hit in the second spot, in part because of his bunting ability.

Senior pitcher Daryl Franklin, another junior varsity call-up, is describe as "an innings eater" by Priola.

"When you first look at him, you might not be sure what he can give you," Priola said. "He really surprises you. He doesn't walk guys."

Sophomore Brandon Petite also could see time on the mound.

At the other end of the battery, Bedford was boosted by the return of senior catcher Shon Byars.

"He could not play last year because of family reasons, but he came back this year, which was music to my ears," Priola said. "He gets everybody going for us. He will start batting in the No. 5 position. He's definitely the vocal leader of our team."

Backup catcher Misha Brown will mostly see time at the junior varsity level.

Bedford has a returning starter at first base in junior Kevin Chmura, who serve as Bedford's No. 3 hitter.

"I'm looking at him to be up there for Player of the Year in the Erie Division, along with Clinton," Priola said. "They're both phenomenal hitters. He's got a good stick to all fields that drives in a lot of runs."

Bedford's middle infield slots will depend much on who's pitching, as a platoon of Auzzene, Mikiah Brown and Petite all will plug into the shortstop and second base positions.

Third base is a bit more set for the Bearcats as junior Josh Peterson gets the nod after a strong JV season.

"He's very, very good with the glove. We're hoping to get some offense out of him, but that's yet to be seen.

Gatlin and Mikiah Brown will fill the slot in left field, while the Bearcats center field slot will be filled by junior Rich Harris, who joins the Beacats after moving in from Maple Heights.

"He's fast and he catches anything hit to him," Priola said. "It's just a question of his bat right now."

Priola said the starting right field slot is being battled for by senior Dorian Muldro and junior Sean Taylor.

"Whoever produces at the plate is going to get it, because they're both good defensively," Priola said.

Priola's varsity assistant coach is Rocco Adduci. The junior varsity coach is Matt Miller, with freshman coach Rob Sloan.

Weather permitting, Bedford was set to open its season April 2 at Benedicitine, but results were not available at press time. Bedford will travel to Parma Senior at 4:30 p.m. April 3 and then open its home schedule April 4 against Painesville Riverside at 4:30 p.m.

E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113