Pitching, Defense Keys to Franklin Nine’s Success

Since Zach Brown took the coaching reins of Franklin High’s baseball team three years ago, the Panthers have qualified for tourney play all three seasons and could be in line for a fourth straight playoff appearance.
Franklin, which posted a 13-9 record last year, lost six players to graduation, creating several key vacancies. Brown, however, not only likes the caliber of his returnees, but he’s also upbeat about the Panthers’ work ethic and team chemistry.
“We’ve got some experience and some potential depth,’’ said Brown, who was an assistant coach at Wheaton College for 12 seasons. “I like our pitching and fielding, our speed and technical skills. My prime concerns are filling vacancies at second base, shortstop and third base, and also bolstering our bullpen. I’m cautiously optimistic we’ll be okay in those areas.’’
The 2017 edition of the Panthers will feature a style that’s similar to Brown’s last three squads. Franklin’s main focus will be on pitching and defense, and on offense, Brown will stress balance and consistency. “Strong pitching and solid defense give us an opportunity to win,’’ said Brown, who’s planning on a roster of 18-20 players.
Two returning veterans on the roster are senior catcher Tyler Gomes and senior first baseman Josh Macchi. Gomes drove in 16 runs last year and Macchi hit .373 and knocked in 16 runs.
“Tyler is a tough kid who’s strong and quietly confident,’’ Brown said. “He’s a good receiver who blocks the plate well and handles our pitching staff effectively. He’s also got a strong arm. Josh is a good fielder who’s got good hands. An honorable-mention Hockomock all-star last year, he’s got a great swing and a solid work ethic.’’
The middle infield positions and third base are still in a state of flux but Brown’s options likely are senior Cam Lupien and juniors Bryan Woelfel and Jake Noviello, along with other underclassmen.
“Cam is a returnee who was used often as a pinch runner,’’ Brown said. “He can also pitch out of the bullpen.’’
Right-handers Woelfel and Noviello are also pitchers. “Brian has some experience at shortstop, he’s got good hands, great instincts, and he’s competitive,’’ Brown noted. “A curve-ball pitcher, he was in our bullpen last year, compiling a 1-0 record with a 1.47 earned-run average. Jake was our ace last year, posting a 5-2 record with a 2.22 E.R.A. in nine games. He throws hard and also has multiple off-speed pitches. At third base and at the plate, he’s competitive and his arm strength is very good.’’
Junior Jason Ulrickson is another key pitcher who also will be utilized as Franklin’s designated-hitter. “Relying on a consistent swing and command of the strike zone, Jason hit .467 last year,’’ Brown said. “A left-hander, he had three wins last year and an E.R.A. of 2.95. He’s a competitive, crafty southpaw.’’
The outfield will feature seniors Ryan Hodgkins in left and Jake Lyons in center with juniors Steven Luttazi and Matt Foley alternating in right. Hodgkin hit .388 last year and led the team in hits (26) while Lyons hit .368 and scored 15 runs. Luttazi and Foley also pitch.
“Ryan is quick, all-around and he hits and runs very well,’’ Brown said. “He was a first-team Hockomock all-star last year. Jake is competitive, tough and runs well. Both Steven and Matt, who got playing time last year in right field, have good developing arms and likely will pitch out of the bullpen. In the field, they’re good athletes and good defenders who should improve at the plate.’’
Senior lefty Matt Dumart will also be in the pitching mix. Relying on a fastball and curve, he saw action in three games last year and compiled an E.R.A. of 1.91.
Brown’s singular goal this season is daily improvement. “If we produce strong effort and focus on fundamentals every day, then we’ll be in a position to win the Kelly-Rex Division and qualify for the playoffs,’’ he said. “Teams in the division that’ll battle for the title include Taunton and King Philip, last year’s co-champs; and Attleboro, Mansfield and Oliver Ames. If you’re not prepared for these teams, you’ll get beat. There’s a ton of parity in the Kelly-Rex.’’
A new twist this season will feature Franklin’s playing on a new field at the high school. Previously, the Panthers competed at Dean College and had more road games on their schedule. They will open their season on April 3 at home against North Attleboro.
No matter where the venue is, it’s safe to say that Franklin’s players typify their coach’s philosophy. They compete intensely, they strive to win, they aim to reach their potential and they understand accountability. “Fortunately, we’ve got a strong program and our players deserve all the credit,’’ Brown noted.