PREVIEW: Eagles are eager for short season

     There probably weren’t many teams that were hoping there would be a high school baseball season more than the Midland Eagles.

     After going 17-17 last year, the Eagles have returned eight starters to the field as they begin this shortened 2020 season.

     “Before COVID delayed the season, I would have expected this team to compete for a conference title, and that we would win 20-plus games,” second-year coach Josh Soper said. “After COVID, we are taking the approach of playing our best baseball in July and making a run at a district title and possible State berth.”

     Back in the starting lineup for Midland are senior pitcher/catcher/infielder Alex Smith, senior pitcher/outfielder Jensen Dodge, senior pitcher/shortstop Wilson Buckwalter, senior pitcher/outfielder Sawyer Hansen, junior catcher/first baseman Iziek Soper, junior outfielder Carson Hunter, sophomore pitcher/second baseman Jamison Dodge, freshman pitcher/infielder Zain Sauer, and freshman pitcher/infielder Warren Etten. Ethan Paulsen, a junior outfielder, also earned a letter last year.

     Coach Soper said experience, pitching and hitting are the team’s strengths.

     “We need to improve defensively,” he said. “We need to improve on the finer details that come with the game.”

     The Eagles will have a schedule that includes Class 2A state runner-up North Linn, and Class 1A state runner-up Alburnett, along with Calamus-Wheatland and Easton Valley.

     Like all Iowa teams, the Eagles will do the best they can with shortened slate of practices and games.

     “Two weeks is not enough time to physically prepare for a baseball season. I’m not complaining because I am happy that we get to play,” Soper said. “However, there is great concern of possible injuries, especially to pitchers.”

     He is assisted by Ryan Manternach.