With basketball and soccer seasons both officially over in Hernando County, the focus now switches to the spring sports, which features baseball, softball and track/field. The county showcases some of the area’s top baseball teams, with Central, Hernando, Nature Coast and Springstead all entering the 2018 campaign as viable district contenders. We take a closer look at each of the county’s teams and preview Hernando County baseball 2018.
Central: The Bears will have their work cut out for hem in a difficult Class 5A, District 7. Within their own district, Central will take in Hernando County clubs like Hernando and Nature Coast, along with Pasco County teams like Hudson and Fivay, who have improved. Central went 17-10 in 2017 and wasn’t far off from being one of the two district teams to reach the postseason. The Bears have a good shot at competing for the district championship this spring and could make some noise in the playoffs.
They are off to a 3 win to 1 loss start.
Hernando: It was another quality season for the Leopards in 2017, finishing at 15-13 on the year and finished out with a 4-1 regional quarterfinal loss to Orlando Bishop Moore. Now returning the bulk of its roster, Hernando remains high on its group of players this season and the Leopards should be in contention in Class 5A, District 7 with Nature Coast and Central. Carson Lashley returns to the mound for Hernando and provides a solid arm for Hernando. Hernando is 4 and 1 so far.
Nature Coast: The Sharks are coming off a season in which they finished 19-10 and were able to reach the second round of the Class 5A playoffs before losing to Orlando Bishop Moore. Now with another talent-loaded roster, Nature Coast comes into 2018 with high expectations and have already rushed out to a quick 6-0 start to the season. Frank Vitale’s club has already scored 60 runs on 48 hits through six games played.
Springstead: After what was a very impressive 24-3 season in 2017, the Eagles were quickly bounced out of the Class 6A region quarterfinals when they lost 2-0 to Belleview. Despite losing several key players from last year’s bunch, a new crop has come into the fray and Springstead is once again expected to compete for not only a district championship, but make a deep run into the Class 6A playoffs. Shawn Laferty and crew will have their work cut out for them, but have already started off 4-0 this season.
Weeki Wachee: Patrick McHugh’s squad went 7-18 in 2017, and despite having several close calls against many of the county’s top teams like Springstead and Hernando. Weeki Wachee plays in Class 6A, District 6 and will look to contend with the likes of Springstead, Inverness Citrus and Dunnellon. The Hornets are hoping that this season the program sees some strides made in the win column, as they’ll have one of the more talented rosters they’ve had in a couple years. They have two wins under their belt so far, but have more work to overcome their 3 losses.