Redskin Baseball Leans on Versatility

Liberal High’s baseball program is a winning program under Eric Olmstead. The third year head coach saw his team go 13-8 in ’07 and 13-9 in ’08. Last year the Redskins beat Ark City for their first post season win in almost a decade. The Redskins return front line Western Athletic Conference players like Sr. Victor Rivera (1st and Right), Sr. Chris Flowers (pitcher and 1st), and Sr. Chuy Torres (catcher). Senior Kyle Potts (pitcher and 3rd), Jr. Austen Pitts (pitcher and Center), and Jr. Brandon Granger (pitcher, 2nd, and shortstop) provide several years of varsity experience. Other key players include So. Tyson Deaton (pitcher, 1st, and right), So. Frederick Gomez (pitcher, 2nd, shortstop, and outfield), Sr. Mario Armendariz (shortstop), So. Jose Pando (outfield), Jr. Charles Turner (3rd), So. Jared Hall (infield), and Sr. Jesus Burciaga (1st and 3rd). Olmstead says his team’s ability to play several positions will be key. His opening day starting pitcher is Brandon Granger with Chris Flowers as the number two starter. Behind that, the Skins need innings on the mound from Potts, Pitts, Deaton, Gomez, and Armendariz. Olmstead has coached this group the past three summers and has never had a losing spring or summer season with them. Liberal opens today at 4:30 in Guymon weather permitting. The home opener is April 7 against Great Bend. Olmstead will be a guest on the Sportsguys Thursday morning on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.