Ashland Nine Stays Consistent and Competitive

Matt Messer is starting his fifth year as Ashland High’s baseball coach, and if it’s anything like his first four seasons, then there’ll be successful results and a date in the post-season tournament.
During Messer’s first four years, the Clockers have qualified for tourney play all four campaigns. Last season was a typical Ashland season on the diamond as the Clockers finished 15-5 overall, then split a pair of games in the playoffs where they were eliminated by Bourne. Messer, who teaches physical education and health at the high school, has a four-year record of 51-29, good for a winning percentage of 64.
“What’s important is that our players keep learning every day,’’ he said. “As coaches, we teach kids to compete. And, if they’re striving for excellence and working hard, then the wins will take care of themselves. The key is to turn out kids to be good men. Learning life lessons is a big part of competing in athletics.’’
The 30-year-old Messer, who was a three-sport athlete at Milford High, lost seven players to graduation, but he’s got a core group of seven returnees who’ll try to keep Ashland’s tourney streak alive. Where the Clockers will have to overachieve is in the pitching department. Left-hander Shawn Babineau has graduated and along with him went his 6-1 record and an earned-run average of 1.14. A Tri Valley League (TVL) all-star, he’s playing now for Springfield College.
“There’s no doubt we lack depth on the mound,’’ Messer said as he prepares for Ashland’s opener at Hopkinton on April 5. “We’re thin there, but we do have Luke Gustavson and Shane Leary back. This year, we’ll be focusing on offense. We’re hoping our kids get runs and supply some power. Defensively, we should be steady. Our prime strengths are experience, athleticism, our work ethic and our competitive nature. If we improve daily and compete hard, then we should be in the playoff mix.’’
Gustavson, a junior left-hander, and Leary, a senior right-handed hurler, will be Messer’s one-two punch on the mound. Gustavson’s first two seasons have produced an 8-5 record and a 2.29 E.R.A. Leary had a 1-1 record and a 2.33 E.R.A. last year, striking out 15 hitters in 15 innings. He also batted .314 and had an on-base percentage of .472.
“Luke is a competitor,’’ Messer said. “His delivery is smooth. He’s got a good fastball and he throws a curve and change-up. He’s excellent under pressure and his control is very good. Shane’s best pitch is his fastball. His curve, change-up and control are good. We used him in relief last year as our closer.’’
While still assembling his pitching staff at “Local Town Pages” deadline, Messer is hoping that senior Jacob Morrison, who played on the jayvees last year, will be a contributor either as a starter or in relief. “Jacob is a right-hander who throws hard, utilizing a sidearm delivery,’’ Messer noted.
Ashland’s infield likely will feature Gustavson at first base, when he’s not pitching, and junior Evan Smith, senior Michael Crupi at second, sophomore Jackson Hornung at shortstop and senior Ronan Bates at third.
“Luke is phenomenal on defense,’’ Messer said. “We’re hoping his hitting improves. Evan can hit and his fielding his stead. Michael is a line-drive hitter who’s aggressive at the plate. He’s a good fielder, too. Jackson hit .263 as a freshman in six games. That’s a small sample size, but he’s a solid contact hitter with patience. In the field, he’s poised, has range and a strong arm. Ronan is a three-year veteran who works hard, has a strong arm and is steady in the field. He drove in 12 runs last year. He can also catch.’’
Senior Erich Vinacco will be behind the plate along with Bates and senior Trevor Gustavson, who’s transferred from St. John’s of Shrewsbury.
“Erich hit .346 and two homers and had a slugging percentage of .615 last year,’’ Messer emphasized. “He blocks the plate well, has a strong arm and calls a good game. He’ll play college ball next year at Emerson. He’s also versatile, able to play the outfield or infield. Ronan provides good defense and Trevor played half of St. John’s schedule.’’
Senior Joe Schelling and Leary will be two key players in the outfield. Smith and Vinacco also will get playing time there. Schelling is a quality athlete, hitting .347 last year. He also drove in 14 runs, drew nine walks and had an on-base percentage of .476. Leary hit .314 and had an on-base percentage of .472.
“Joe and Shane are three-year veterans,’’ Messer said. “Joe is a good athlete, out best defensive outfielder. He’s got speed, he’s a tough competitor and he’s solid on offense. He hits for power and he’s very coachable. Shane is a consistent hitter who has power and hits mostly line drives. Smith and Vinacco are capable fielders with strong arms.’’
Messer always has his team prepared to contend for the TVL title. But, defending champion Medway will be competitive and Medfield, Bellingham and Hopkinton are talented and traditionally solid. Messer, however, hasn’t ruled out Ashland as a potential contender.
“We’ll strive to contend for the league title,’’ he said, “but it’s not something we talk about. We aim for it quietly.’’
Ashland’s quiet and traditionally consistent approach to competing could create some noise in the TVL this year. The Clockers will not be a team to take lightly.