Experienced La Salle-Peru baseball aiming for postseason run

When La Salle-Peru baseball coach Matt Glupczynski fills out his lineup cards this spring, they’ll look very similar to the ones he used last season.

The Cavaliers graduated one player who saw significant playing time last season, giving the Cavaliers a very experienced roster.

“We have a lot of guys who have gotten varsity innings even though we’re still young,” Glupczynski said. “Going through it last [season], seeing the speed of the varsity game and the competition we see night in and night out, they’ll be ready for it. They’re not going to be shell shocked. They’re not going to have to warm up to what’s going on. We should be able to hit the ground running.

“As a coaching staff, we’re really excited to see what the boys can do.”

Highlighting the talented returning nucleus are seniors Julius Sanchez, Jack Scheri and Aidan VanDuzer, who are all signed to play at the next level.

Sanchez signed with the University of Illinois, Scheri is headed to Creighton University and VanDuzer will play at Olivet Nazarene University.

Also back are seniors Dalton Znaniecki, Michael Jereb and Alex Galindo along with juniors Mason Lynch, Billy Mini and Joey Story and sophomores Josh Senica, Seth Adams and Nolan VanDuzer.

Sophomores Brendan Boudreau and Brady Romagnoli are newcomers expected to make an impact.

“We have a very diverse team, which consists of a strong core of seniors and a very talented and experienced group of underclassmen that will contribute greatly to the goals of the program,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez gives the Cavaliers a dominant ace.

The hard throwing right-hander was 3-2 with an area-best 0.33 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 42 innings last season as he earned Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 3A All State.

“It’s a huge confidence factor,” Glupczynski said about having a pitcher of Sanchez’s caliber. “Not only does he bring his stuff with him, but he brings that X-factor where the guys really feel they can beat anybody when we have him on the mound.”

Glupczynski said the Cavs also have a strong stable of arms behind Sanchez.

Lynch went 4-1 last year, Senica is 6-foot-4 with three solid pitches, Znaniecki has varsity experience and throws three good pitches, Story led the team in relief appearances last season, Mini has thrown varsity innings and Nolan VanDuzer has shown promise.

“The defense starts with our pitching, led by Julius Sanchez” Scheri said. “Backing Julius, we have some quality arms that can get us through innings. As long as they are in the zone, the infield and outfield is solid and should get the job done.”

Scheri returns at shortstop and Nolan VanDuzer played a lot of third base last season, while Aidan VanDuzer, Senica, Lynch, Znaniecki and Mini could all see time in the infield.

Adams will catch or play in the outfield, while other outfield possibilities are Senica, Lynch and Mini.

“Defensively, we have an athletic infield and outfield,” Sanchez said. “Our outfield can reach those balls in the gap with ease, covering a lot of ground. In the infield, we have guys with good gloves who will make plays. As a pitcher, I have confidence in my defense to make the outs.”

Glupczynski said the Cavs are “working on being a complete offense, being able to play small ball, hit the ball out of the yard and be able to run the bases.”

Lynch returns in the leadoff spot after serving as the team’s catalyst last season.

Scheri will hit in the No. 2 slot, while Sanchez and the VanDuzers will provide some pop in the middle of the order.

“Our offense should be solid this season,” Scheri said. “We have a lot of scrappy hitters with speed who can get the job done. We also have the VanDuzer boys and a handful of guys who can really drive the ball. It should be exciting.”

With a dominant ace and deep pitching staff, a solid defense and a complete offense, the Cavs are looking to earn 20 wins or more, win the Interstate Eight Conference and make a postseason run.

“They have very high expectations for themselves this season,” Glupczynski said.