Dragons roar past Panthers with 10-2 win at home

William Monroe’s boys varsity baseball team got off to a strong start for the season with a decisive 10-2 win over Page in its first home game, held on March 11.
“The game was tight through the first five innings,” said Coach Mark Arrington.  “Much of this due to both teams struggling at the plate.”
But the Monroe bats woke up and combined for 8 runs over their last two offensive frames, Arrington added.
Among the highlights of the game: Leadoff hitter Colby Fitzgerald went 3-for-3 and scored 2 runs, and Jason Nave went 3-for-3 and scored 3 runs.
Eric Utz added a solo home run.
“Utz also got the win on the mound by using his defense and keeping the Panthers off balance at the plate,” said Arrington.  “Bruce Shifflett came in to shut the door, and did this in dramatic fashion. Shifflett faced 8 batters and struck out 6 of them.”
The first home game leaves Coach Arrington “optimistic” as far as the season goes.
“There is a lot of room to be optimistic going into the season, “ he said. “We have almost everybody back from last season. Every pitcher has had a year to learn how to pitch at this level.”
He added: “Eric Utz and Bruce Shifflett have contrasting styles that can keep teams off-balance. Utz is a control pitcher who can keep us in games by using all of his pitches. Shifflett has great breaking pitches and has a sneaky fastball.”
Arrington predicts that folks will see much action from players Daniel Thacker, Matt Collier, Colby Fitzgerald and Danny Morris.
And, he adds, “the bullpen will be anchored by Jeremy Breeden who gives teams a different look.”
As for offense, All-District 2nd Team third baseman Danny Morris is back and looking to improve on his stellar numbers from last season, said Coach Arrington. 
The Dragons other returning All-District performer from last season, Jason Nave, will look to find his way on base and play a good left field.
Coach Arrington added: “Utz will play first when not pitching and give us a solid left handed bat in the line-up. Shifflett will play somewhere in the middle of the infield when not on the mound. Transfers Colby Fitzgerald and Kris Thomas will give the team speed and a solid bat as well as players that can play multiple positions.”
The team is relying on a returning Henry Morris to play a solid centerfield, and Coach Arrington describes Ryan Bouton as a “do-it-all type of player that is a good situational hitter.”
Daniel Thacker returns for his senior season and, along with Justin Sullivan, should give the Dragons depth in the outfield, said Arrington. Freshman Logan Forloines will take over catching duties.
The bottom line, when it comes to this season:
“Success will be based on what the guys do to prepare themselves,” said Arrington. “And following our team motto, ‘every play, everyday, the Dragon way.’“