Baseball

The Dickinson baseball team had a great deal of success at Dickinson Park last year, going 9-3-1 at home in 2015. The Red Devils, however, failed to transfer this success to their road games where they went 3-10. After missing out on the playoffs, Dickinson looks to come back with a vengeance this spring.

Step one will be finding ways to replace the talent that graduated last fall. Harley Moore ’15 started eight games on the mound for the Red Devils, finishing with a 2.63 ERA for the season. Moore lead the team with 58 K’s, while surrendering under a hit per inning pitched. Garrett Kurtz ’16 held a 3.88 ERA after nine starts last year, fanning 21 over the season. He will need to help replace the void left by Moore.

Mike DeVivo ’15 started 21 games for the Red Devils last year, batting an impressive .342 for the season. Replacing his consistency at the plate will be difficult, but Ryan Dolan ’17, Austin Sumners ’18 and a cast of outfielders already have lots of game experience and will hopefully make that transition seamlessly.

The Red Devils also graduate their lead RBI hitter from last year, Steven Haynes ’15. This may be the biggest gap to fill in the offseason, as runs will be vital given the additional loss of Moore. Dolan recorded 23 RBIs in 2015, and hopefully can expand on that this season. Phil Werner ’16 and Matt Primavera ’16 also had strong seasons driving in runners last year as juniors. Dickinson begins their Spring 2016 campaign on Saturday, Feb. 27 with a double header against Scranton in New Market, Va.

  Softball

The softball program is also looking to come back stronger this year after going 15-20 last spring. After an explosive start to the season over Spring Break last year, the Red Devils cooled off in conference play with a 4-12 record in the Centennial. Dickinson will look to regain some form against familiar foes this season.

The Red Devils graduated a great leader last year in Jay Abell ’15. Abell caught 30 games last year, transitioning from her normal position at catcher into the infield. Lindsey Zwecker ’17 will continue her play from behind the plate this season. Katie Swade ’15 started 34 games for Dickinson in 2015 in the infield and outfield. With her .264 batting average her versatility and consistency will be missed in the lineup.

Looking to carry the torch for the Red Devils will be a quartet of powerful hitters this year. Grace Edelson ’16 batted for .400 on the dot last season at first base while hitting three homers and batting in 22 runs. Casey Ditzler ’16 lead the team with 24 RBIs last year, batting at a .362 clip. Nicole Torlincasi ’17 hit a team high five home runs in 2015, while Nicole Piet ’16 hit .333 with 20 RBIs. This group of upperclassmen will need to lead the way if the Red Devils will improve from last season.

Softball begins play Sunday, Feb. 28 when they travel to southern Virginia to face Randolph-Macon.