by Mark Womack Jackets Swing into Action Jackets gain strength and momentum as season draws to a close. The 1998 version of Yellow Jacket baseball was no different from many of the otherCedarvillespring sports teams in that they were extremely lean on experience. No less than 13 of the 16 players were either freshmen orsophomoresand 11ofthem were newcomers to the program. The result was a 4-27 record overall and 2-14 slate in the Mid-Ohio Conference. Senior co-captain Josh Lunney batted a team-high .354and was voted to the AllMid-Ohio Conference Second Team at third base. He was also named to the AllNCCAA Midwest Region squad. Lunney paced Cedarville in nearly every offensive statistical category. Hewastops in hits(29),runs scored(18), doubles(6),triples(2),home runs(3),slugging percentage (.585),walks(13),and stolen bases(13)for the season. The other senior co-captain wasinfielderMarkWood, who was an honorable mention selection within the NCCAAMidwestRegion.He wasthe only playerto start all 31 games during the season. Freshman infielder Ryan Creeden hit.319 to rank second on the squad at the plate. Twin brother Trevor batted .277 and struck outjust three timesin55plateappearances. Sophomore outfielder GabeSchlappijoinedLunney on the All-NCCAA Midwest Region Team. He started all 30games in which he played with a .272 batting average, 13 runs scored,four doubles, and 12 walks. The Yellow Jackets fashioneda6-3victory atTennessee Temple in the opening doubleheader of the season. They later surprised Walsh, 6-5, at home and the Cavs eventually qualified for the M0C Tournament. Cedarville followed that decision withawin atMalonein their very next game by the same 6- 5 count. The Jackets experienced their bestoffensive contestin the next to last game of the season. In the NCCAA MidwestRegional,theydrilledLincoln Christian, 13-4, by hammering a season-high 16 hits. Men's Baseball Team:(kneeling 1-r)Greg Pauling,Johnny Freese,Nathan Verwys,Dustin Crider, Mark Wood,Gabe Schlappi.(standing 1-r) Student-Trainer Matt Loose,Head Coach Norris Smith,Micah Hutchins, Assistant Coach Brandon Locks, Matt Johnson,Jim Tompkins,Rob Beat,Josh Lunney,Phil Hamilton,Ryan Creeden,Steve Norris,Trevor Creeden,Tim Sastic,Scorekeeper Brent Krumdiak. men's baseball 259
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