Lake Oswego baseball hopes to compete in tough TRL

The Lakers believe in themselves, but know just how tough the rest of the league will be.

Team: Lake Oswego baseball

Coach: Jake Anders

Team Leaders: Junior pitcher/first baseman Jonah Barkoff, senior pitcher/first baseman Declan Francis, senior shortstop Grant Maxwell and junior center fielder Vince Williams are all returning starters from Lake Oswego’s 2022 Class 6A state quarterfinal team.

“Grant Maxwell is a three-year starter and a true leader at shortstop,” said Lake Oswego coach Jake Anders. “Grant is the heart of our defense and makes sure everyone is on the same page.”

Barkoff, Anders said, “is a returning starting pitcher who could be one of the best in the state by year’s end,” while adding that Williams “commands the outfield and is an excellent communicator and directs traffic.”

The Lineup: Pitchers — Barkoff, Francis, sophomore Harrison Smith, sophomore Parker Saefke, freshman Carsen Lemon. Catcher — Junior Sam Trojan. First base — Barkoff, Francis. Second base — Senior Brodie Heher. Shortstop — Maxwell. Third base — Senior Bryan Ramirez, senior Brady Wear. Left field — Junior Nick Vilarino, junior Campbell Smith. Center field — Williams. Right field — Karsten Krebs. Utility — Junior Finley Smith, Brady Wear.

Also ready for varsity time are: sophomore catcher Elliott Wear; junior pitcher Anthony Sarno; senior outfielder/pitcher Dylan Coe; senior utility player/pitcher Kyle Brennen; senior outfielder Charlie Grimm.

Outlook: “We will compete, but every game is going to be a challenge,” Anders said. “We never change the focus of pitching and defense as being … the backbone of what we do, (but) we will have to play very well through the entire year to compete.”

League Race: “The Three Rivers will prove to be the most difficult league in the state again this year,” Anders said. “West Linn and Lakeridge have to be considered the top two with elite arm talent on the mound. I have a lot of respect for our league opponents and coaches. There is not one day you can have an off day in our league.”

See the West Linn team preview by clicking here.

See the Lakeridge team preview by clicking here.

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