Pate plans to use team depth to his advantage this season

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on June 1, 2018 5:51 AM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

Adam Pate likes the interchangeable parts on his talent-rich 25-player roster.

Too bad they're just nine open spaces on a lineup card.

That leaves 16 players in either the dugout or bullpen eagerly waiting for the opportunity to display their wares each time Wayne County Post 11 takes the field.

Pate relishes the numerous pieces he can switch on the diamond. In three games, he hasn't started the same lineup and he's used eight different arms on the mound.

"We have so many guys that can do a bunch of different things," Pate said. "Trying to get them in different positions in different parts of the order, and move them around is what it's all about. A bunch of different ballplayers are embracing different roles now that we're all on the same team and not playing against each other in high school."

Depth undoubtedly provides advantages.

Pitchers can show different looks to opposing hitters.

Wayne County's staff has logged a team earned run average (ERA) of 3.68 through 19 innings of work. Luke Frederick and Justin Edwards, a pair of first-year Legion performers, each emerged victorious in their initial start of the season.

Edwards ate a lot of innings for Southern Wayne this past spring.

Pate anticipates Aryc Chrisman and Jonathan "JP" Peacock to provide leadership in the bullpen.

A stable of hurlers also relieves the anxiety associated with the pitch-count rule adopted by Legion officials this season.

"All around, we've got a lot of different guys we can throw at you...some guys [out of the bullpen] who can come in and sling it," Pate said.

"We've got a bunch of different weapons we can use."

Wayne County (2-1) has been equally solid offensively.

The team has tallied 18 runs on 29 hits and compiled a batting average of .403.

Newcomer Case Kermode leads the team in total hits (5), RBI (4) and is one of three players to swat a home run along with Chrisman and Landon Ginn. A rising junior at Eastern Wayne, Ginn has posted four hits in three starts.

"We've swung the bats really well," Pate said. "I've told the guys I don't want you to get a feel for it or guide your swing, but let it rip and be aggressive. That's the main thing we've tried to instill in the guys so far -- play aggressive on offense and we've done that."

Post 11 returns home Saturday for a battle against Area II member Morehead City Post 46. Game time is 7 p.m. but subject to change.

Pate said Wayne County will travel to Wallace on Sunday and step back on to its home diamond possibly Tuesday for a contest against Area I member Clayton Post 71.