Wake up the bats

Farmers trying to find path to playoffs with just 7 games left

Senior+Matthew+Nemecek+%2824%29+throws+to+first+base+in+a+March+20+game+against+Flower+Mound.

Andrea Duncan

Senior Matthew Nemecek (24) throws to first base in a March 20 game against Flower Mound.

With just seven games left to play, the baseball team has plenty of work still to do to be among the four district 6-6A playoff teams.

The Farmers are currently 3-6 in a district that includes reigning state champion Flower Mound. They are currently in a three-way tie for fifth place, two games out of a playoff spot.

Senior pitcher Cody Rimko has not been impressed with the offense thus far into the season.

“Our pitching and defense has come through,” Rimko said. “Just need to find a way to score. Nick [McGuire] has been hitting the ball pretty well. Kyle [West] has been stroking pretty well.”

The offense did come alive last week with three runs scored by junior outfielder Brennon Shultz and two RBIs from senior third baseman Cody Doucet, but the Farmers still lost their second game against rival Marcus, 4-3, a game Lewisville was winning until an error in the sixth inning, snapping a three-game winning streak.

Senior outfielder Jake Rochette thinks the season could go a lot better, but said the team will keep working hard and never give up.

“[Our district opponents] are very tough,” Rochette said. “They’re beatable. They aren’t perfect.”

Among their opponents are three area-ranked teams including the Jaguars (ranked #2, 10-0 in the district). Rounding out the trio is Marcus (ranked #4, 8-2) and Hebron (ranked #6, 7-3).

Rochette’s sentiment was echoed by head coach Mike Campbell.

“I respect everyone of them [district opponents],” said Campbell. “They’re all good, but I also believe that we can beat everyone of them as well.”

The Farmers travel to face Hebron Tuesday night at 8 p.m. The Hawks return eight starters from last season including first team All-District pitcher/outfielder, N.J. Kim. Hebron won the first matchup, 10-7.