Eagleville baseball bringing the bats in search of state tourney appearance

Coming off a Class A sectional trip last year, there were high expectations for the Eagleville baseball team that returned six position players.

Even the Eagles, however, couldn't have imagined how well their bats would explode out of the gates in the 2018 season.

Or did they?

"It doesn't shock me," said Eagleville coach Travis Holland, whose fifth-ranked squad improved to 10-2 with a 10-1 win over district foe Moore County Monday. "We have kids who are three- and four-year starters. It's the first time in several years we've had this kind of experience."

Added junior Isaac Gleaves, "It's not that unexpected. We've spent a lot of time in the (indoor) facility to be the best we can be in the (batter's) box."

Eagleville, which is 3-0 in District 8-A, has scored in double figures in six of its 12 games. The team is averaging eight runs a contest, even after a tough Middle Tennessee Classic tournament where offense was at a premium.

The Eagles have nine players hitting over .300 and as a team the squad is hitting .316 with eight home runs and 83 RBIs.

"Our 1-through-7 have been in our lineup for two or three years," Holland said. "Our six- and seven-hole hitters are capable of hitting it out of the park."

Junior outfielder Ethan Cobb leads the squad with a .444 mark with 11 runs and 11 RBIs. Right behind him is Ryan Wells, who is at .417 with 14 runs and eight RBIs. Shortstop Jonah Clement is averaging .351 with two homers and 11 RBIs.

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Gleaves is the team's top power source, having already belted four home runs with 12 RBIs.

"I love extra-base hits," said Gleaves, who also has three doubles. He hit a home run Monday and seven of his eight hits have gone for extra bases. He also said unity was a key cog in the team's success.

"We've been together a long time and we spend a lot of time together on and off the field. We all get along well."

The Eagles don't just hit. They've been stingy to opponents as well, holding eight of their opponents to three runs or less.

The Eagleville team ERA is 1.68. The leader of that bunch is Austin Wells who fired a complete game on Monday and now sits at 2-1 with an 0.42 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 19 innings.

"It makes you feel comfortable, knowing everyone is behind you at the plate and in the field," said Austin Wells. "You're less nervous on the mound.

"We attack strikes. A lot of times pitchers try to start you out with a fastball. We jump on those early."

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Eagleville is primed for another district and region tournament run. And, unlike last year, the Eagles aren't matched up in a potential sectional contest with defending state champion Loretto, after moving from District 9 to District 8 this season.

"We've just got to play our best throughout an entire game," said Austin Wells. "We have to start and finish and do the little things right."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.