We are exactly one week away from the start of the Liberty baseball season as the Flames will begin the 2023 campaign next Friday, February 17 at Southern Miss for a three-game series.
Liberty head coach Scott Jackson met with the local media earlier this week to help give a preview of his team entering this season. Based on that conversation, we have been able to piece together a projected opening day lineup for the Flames as well as a projected weekend rotation as the season begins.
As Coach Jackson gets to know all the new pieces to his team, he will obviously make adjustments to the lineup and rotation throughout the first few weeks of the season as he figures out what he has and where everyone best fits.
POSITION PLAYERS
C Gray Betts
1B Andrew Jenner
2B Nathan Keeter
SS Jake Lazzaro
3B Cam Foster
LF Three Hillier
CF Jaylen Guy
RF Camden Troyer
The designated hitter could vary from game to game with several guys having the potential to work their way into the lineup including Victor Castillo, Will Stewart, and John Simmons. Hillier could also slide to catcher or DH any given game to allow some lineup flexibility. The batting lineup is still a work in progress with Gray Betts being slotted in as the leadoff man for Liberty once again.
STARTING ROTATION
Friday: LHP Garrett Horn
Saturday: LHP Nick Moran
Sunday: RHP Mikey Tepper
Horn is the ace of the staff after a standout freshman season as has been named the ASUN Preseason Pitcher of the Year.
Moran was a freshman last season, making just six appearances with one start. He allowed nine runs in 13 innings pitched.
Tepper is a transfer from Mississippi State where he had 17 appearances in 2022, making two starts. he finished the season with a 9.49 ERA and 1-2 record with one save in 24.2 innings of work while striking out 19.
Others who could factor into the rotation as starters, whether during the weekend or during the midweek as the season progresses, include Garrett Gainey, Garrett Cooper, and Cole Hertzler.
BULLPEN
Out of the bullpen, obviously there will be a number of guys who get opportunities throughout the season. Some names to keep an eye on here include Trey Carter, David Erickson, Cole Garrett, and Tyler Germanowski.
