The Associated Press

For Ironton Fighting Tigers head coach Mark Lewis, he should have many happy returns.

Sunday, March 24, 2002

For Ironton Fighting Tigers head coach Mark Lewis, he should have many happy returns.

But it’s the losses that worry Lewis more than the fact most of the Ironton lineup returns this season after going 13-10 last year.

"We have a good nucleus back, but pitching will be the key just like it is every year," said Lewis.

Ironton’s one key loss was centerfielder Josh Harmon, now at the University of Rio Grande. Harmon hit .353 with 15 runs batted in, 23 walks, and a team-high 16 stolen bases.

"Without Harmon, we lose a lot of defense, a clutch hitter, and speed on the bases. It’s a tough hole to fill," said Lewis.

Another key loss was Mark Mains who played outfield and pitched. He batted .267 and was 3-2 as a pitcher.

But there are plenty of veterans to make up for the loss.

Leading the returning starters will be senior Chad Parker who topped the team in most offensive categories last season.

Parker batted .397 with seven home runs, seven doubles, and 23 runs batted in, all team highs.

"Chad’s really been crushing the ball. He hits for average but he also hits with a lot of power," said Lewis.

Back at first base will be junior Tyler Whaley who hit .306 with four home runs and 15 RBI.

Junior Matt White, who caught most of last season, will share third base duties with Parker as the pair also figure to be Ironton’s top two pitchers. White hit .286 with 16 RBI and four doubles.

Senior Chuck Murnahan is battling for a starting job in the outfield after serving as the designated hitter last season. Murnahan hit .310 with five doubles and 16 RBI, seven coming in one game.

"Chuck’s hitting the ball better. He could be one of our outfielders, but we’ll have his bat in the lineup one way or the other. He’s hitting the ball pretty good," said Lewis.

Senior Brian Rowe, who saw limited action last season, figures to battle Murnahan for the right field job.

Senior Matt Johnson should be in center field while junior Derek Moore looms as the favorite to play in left.

"Johnson has good speed and plays good defense. We need someone to take Harmon’s place," said Lewis. "Moore runs well and has hit well. He’s probably going to play in the outfield, but he can catch if we need him."

Junior Greg Mountain will shift back to catcher. Mountain, who hit .333 with 18 RBI last year, played catcher as a freshman but was unable to fill that role last year due to a shoulder injury.

Returning at shortstop will be sophomore Josh Sands who started strong last season before finishing with a .224 average, two home runs and 17 RBI.

"Mountain looks healthy and he’s throwing the ball better. Sands should be improved and we expect him to hit the ball more consistently," said Lewis.

One loss for the first part of the season will be three-year letterman Drew Mains.

The senior second baseman will undergo surgery Tuesday for Turf Toe. The loss of Mains leaves a hole in the lineup at least early in the schedule.

Mains was second on the team with a .391 batting average and tied Parker for the team lead with 27 hits.

Junior Jeff Parnell and sophomore Kevin Williams are the likely candidates to fill the void.

"Williams is a steady player and Parnell has improved over last year. They both field well and do a pretty good job," said Lewis.

Parker should be the team’s ace after going 4-4 last season with a 3.24 earned run average and 42 strikeouts and just 14 walks in 41 innings pitched.

White was 1-2 while working just 20 innings. Sands was 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA in just 12.2 innings pitched.

Williams, Murnahan, and junior Sean McClellan should also log some innings on the mound.

"We should be pretty good offensively and defensively, but the pitching will tell the tale. It always does," said Lewis.