Optimism reigns as Harper baseball begins

Second-year Harper College baseball coach Cliff Brown is looking forward to a sophomore-led team this spring.

The Hawks return seven sophomores from last year’s team that went 13-27 and advanced to the regional championship game. Brown has those seven sophomores penciled into the starting lineup to begin with.

The Hawks also welcome a pair of freshman middle infielders, shortstop Louis Lopez and second baseman Danny Hernandez. Brown likes the way the pair plays defense.

“Defensively, we have improved up the middle,” he said.

Look for a pair of sophomores, Eugene Hylka (Leyden) and Danny Laruria (Rolling Meadows), and freshman Andrew Bouleanu to make up the middle of the Hawks’ order.

“I think our middle of the lineup will hit a lot of doubles,” Brown said of the players that may get the bulk of the time in the 3, 4 and 5 spots in the batting order.

The Hawks lost four players from last year’s roster. The biggest loss may come behind the plate, where the Hawks lost the potent bat of Jake Kane.

The strength of the Hawks this spring may be on the pitching mound. Four freshmen will be looked upon to make major contributions, including a pair of Prospect High School teammates — opening-day starter Scott Plaza and Jacob Sofinski. Ryan Busse (Hersey) and Tyler Tureck (Barrington) will also get a chance in the rotation.

“(We have) a lot more depth,” Brown said of his pitching staff. “I feel pretty comfortable with the guys on the mound.”

The Hawks will play a difficult schedule this season. They have a couple of foes ranked in the preseason NJCAA Division II poll, including N4C member Madison College (No. 7) and Heartland College (No. 1), as well as Joliet Junior College (No. 3 among Division III teams).

“I think if you’re going to compete at the national level, you’re going to have to beat good teams,” said Brown. “We’re not going to sneak up on anyone.”