Speedy outfield benefits Bengals

While there are always questions heading into a new season, one thing is for certain this year - there is plenty of speed in the Bengal outfield.
“I don’t think we have had a faster outfield,” LSU Eunice head coach Jeff Willis said. “We have the fastest team speed in the outfield players on the roster.”
Sophomores left fielder Tyler Chapman (Iowa) and right fielder Derek Herrigton (Minden) is joined by freshman centerfielder Ralphie McDonald (Brooklyn, N.Y.) as the No. 2 Bengals open the season at 6 p.m. on Friday against North Lake College.
“Ralphie is the fastest player on our team,” Willis said. “He is going to steal a lot of bases and hopefully he is going to be able to man the lead-off spot for us.”
Willis said Herrington (6.4 in the 60) has the strongest arm in the outfield and is coming off a stellar freshman season (.258 BA, 21 RBI, 31 walks and 18 stolen bases).
Chapman (6.5 in the 60)led the team with six home runs (.313 BA, 17 2B, 38 RBI, 30 stolen bases).
“He brings leadership and big game experience to our team,” the coach said.
The coach said the outfield depth is also an asset with David Scott LaFleur (St. Edmund), Mason Nickens (Dutchtown), Madison Nickens (St. Amant) and Steven Sensley (University High).
“David led us in home runs in the fall, plays hard and has great speed on the basepads,” the coach said of LaFleur. “He brings a lot to the table and could be vying for the designated hitter spot.”
Willis said the outfielders just need to concentrate on making the routine plays.
“We don’t need them trying to make a hero play out there,” the coach commented. “They need to keep the double plays in order and not try to always throw guys out at the plate.
“We will turn a lot more double plays than we will have outfield assists.
“We can’t have the hitter advance to second base because we missed the cutoff man or we tried to make a heroic play.”
Last year, the Bengals opened the season with a three-game sweep (11-10, 12-3 and 7-1) over North Lake.
“The key to the weekend will be for our pitchers to throw strikes and us play defense,” Willis said. If we can do these two things and put pressure on North Lake from an offensive standpoint it should come down to some timely hits.”