Medway Nine Aiming for Another TVL Title

Winning a league championship usually is a challenge, but capturing back-to-back titles can be a Herculean task.
Mike Coppinger and his Medway baseball team are facing that kind of challenge this spring after compiling a 14-4 record last year and winning the Tri Valley League crown. That championship was the first for a Mustang nine since 2002. Adding to Medway’s degree of difficulty is the graduation numbers — 10 seniors have moved on, eight of whom were regulars in the lineup. The other two were starting pitchers.
“Our goals are to win the TVL again, qualify for the tourney and advance as far as possible,’’ Coppinger emphasized. “It’s never easy to win the TVL championship, but there’s no reason why we can’t repeat. We’ve lost a lot of veterans but we’ve got talent and our kids will work hard. I’m optimistic.’’
Coppinger’s upbeat outlook stems from a variety of strengths he sees in a group of returnees who know what it takes to win.
“We’ve got strong pitching, our defense is good, we’re athletic and our kids have a high baseball IQ,’’ he said. “If I’ve got any concerns, it’s our overall lack of experience and the loss of some offensive power.’’
Medway’s style of play will be a grind-it-out approach that relies on grit and speed on the bases. “We’ll play some small ball and some hit-and-run,’’ Coppinger said. “Hopefully, we’ll display some power, too. Teams that’ll be contending for the title are Hopkinton, Ashland, Bellingham and Medfield. They’ve all got tradition and talent.’’
Medway’s pitching is its top asset. Coppinger can call on two right-handed stalwarts to start — senior Sean Petinge and junior Nick Assad. Others in line as spot-starters are junior Chase Phenegar, senior Justin Schawb, and senior A.J. Gould, who can also pitch in relief. Junior Nick Lazetara will be used solely in relief.
Petinge, a TVL all-star, compiled a 6-1 record and had an earned-run average of 1.30. He threw four complete games and walked only seven batters in 48 innings. He can also play second base or the outfield. Assad, who encountered some tough luck, was 1-2 with an E.R.A. of 4.58.
“Sean was one of the best pitchers in the TVL last year,’’ Coppinger said. “He’s got a great fastball, and he gets strikeouts with his slider. He throws hard, has good movement on the ball and his control is excellent. Nick is a power pitcher whose fastball is very good. He’s got off-speed stuff, too. I’m sure he’ll improve his E.R.A. this season.
“Chase is a big right-hander who throws a fastball, curve and change-up. He knows how to pitch and his control is good. Justin is a lefty who mixes his pitches well. Last year, he came in for five innings against Medfield and stopped them, giving us a key win. A.J. pitched on the jayvees last year. His curve and fastball are effective and he’s got good control. Nick Lazetara tossed a no-hitter on the jayvees. His curve is solid and his fastball is always moving and dropping.’’
Coppinger’s infield isn’t as settled as his corps of pitchers. With opening day set for April 5 at Norton, the 31-year-old coach was still mixing and matching, especially on the right side. Junior Cam Forbes is a possibility at first and Gould likely is ticketed for duty at second base when he’s not pitching. “A line-drive hitter, Cam is a competitor who makes plays,’’ Coppinger said. “He played jayvee baseball last year, but he’ll be a solid role player. A.J. grinds it out, has some power and is very coachable. He could also play the outfield.’’
There’s no question mark at shortstop, because TVL all-star T.J. Nelson is returning. He hit .369 and drove in 10 runs as a sophomore last year. “T.J. is dependable, has good range and a strong arm,’’ Coppinger said. “He rarely commits an error. He can hit for power, and he’s one of the best defensive players in the league.’’
Assad likely will be at third base when he’s not on the mound. He hit .373 and drove in 13 runs last year. “One of our best hitters, Nick has a smooth swing and he hits in the clutch,’’ Coppinger said. “A good athlete, he’s a capable fielder.’’
Senior Matt Brown is one of Medway’s captains, and Coppinger is counting on this catcher, who missed the entire season last year because of a fractured foot. “Matt had some tough luck but he’s a power hitter who swings hard,’’ Coppinger noted. “He blocks the plate well, has a strong throw to second and he calls a game very effectively. He’s a quality leader.’’
Positions in the outfield aren’t totally settled yet, but seniors Zach Newman and Justin Bellforte and sophomore Sam DiPillo will be the prime players.
“Zach is a lefty who has a smooth swing,’’ Coppinger said. “He’s got good range and lots of speed. Justin has speed and an accurate arm. He’s scrappy at the plate — a singles hitter who can bunt. He led the team in stolen bases with 11. Sam is a left-handed hitter who has some power. His arm is strong, and he’s got range.’’
Coppinger will be counting on two assistants — freshman coach James Nix and varsity aide Paul Francesconi. He’ll also be counting on a core group of players whose work ethic is top-notch. Now in his third year at the helm, Coppinger knows it’s difficult to win back-to-back championships.
Strong pitching and a solid defense, however, could be the ingredients that give the Mustangs a chance to repeat as TVL champs.