HAMILTON — Hamilton coach Joey Lewis and the Big Blue baseball team are coming are coming off a 13-17 season following a postseason loss to Division I state champion Mason.
Lewis said HHS has all the pieces for success heading into the 2023 campaign.
“I feel like we have enough hitting, if we’re in the game, that can give us a shot to win,” said Lewis, who is in his 13th year at Hamilton. “I think that all three of those are coming together for us nicely. We’ve got hardnosed kids, a good group, they like each other, and they’re fighting for each other.
“We’re ready to go,” Lewis added. “We’re ready for the season to begin. We feel good where we’re at.”
Lewis said his pitching rotation looks to be the strong point for the Big Blue this season.
Senior Ethan Stone (1-1), juniors Clint Moak (3-5, 74 strikeouts) and Cournell Bennett (0-2), and sophomore Kaleb Powers are Hamilton’s go-to hurlers.
“Those are the guys we’re going to rely on heavily,” Lewis said. “They can compete with anybody. And I feel like our defense can play.”
Senior infielders Davis Avery (17 hits, 11 runs, 10 RBI) and Jordan Zapata (17 hits, 10 runs, 13 RBI) are the Big Blue’s top returning hitters from last season.
“Any success we encounter will be the result of staying healthy, consistent pitching, defense and effective situational offense,” Lewis said. “The thing that stands out the most with this team is the willingness to work hard and the senior leadership.”
2023 Hamilton Big Blue Baseball Season Snapshot
Coach — Joey Lewis, 13th season.
2022 Record — 13-17 overall, 6-13 Greater Miami Conference.
2022 Postseason — Beat Little Miami (5-2) and Loveland (5-3). Lost to Mason, 6-0.
Expected Key Contributors — Seniors Davis Avery (SS/P), Lake Cundiff (OF), Casey Brann (OF), Ethan Stone (IF/P), Ray New (OF/P), Jordan Zapata (IF/P); juniors Cournell Bennett (C/P), Clint Moak (IF/P), Nick Brosius (IF), Nick Lindsey (C/DH), David Johnson (OF); sophomore Kaleb Powers (IF/P).
Additional Members — Dyllan Grindle (OF), Conner Bowling (IF/P), Elijah Jackson (IF/P), Bryce Sams (OF/P).
Probable Starting Pitchers — Clint Moak, Ethan Stone, Kaleb Powers, Cournell Bennett.
Coach’s Comments — “We expect to be competitive in our league (GMC). … The thing that stands out about this team is the willingness to work hard and the senior leadership. … Any success we encounter will be the result of staying healthy, consistent pitching, defense, and effective situational offense.”
2023 Hamilton Big Blue Roster
Number, Player, Class
2 Davis Avery Senior
1 Cournell Bennett Junior
17 Conner Bowling Junior
7 Casey Brann Senior
9 Nick Brosius Junior
6 Lake Cundiff Senior
13 Dyllan Grindle Junior
15 Elijah Jackson Junior
33 David Johnson Junior
19 Nick Lindsey Junior
3 Clint Moak Junior
12 Ray New Senior
16 Kaleb Powers Sophomore
22 Bryce Sams Junior
8 Ethan Stone Senior
18 Hunter Thompson Sophomore
30 Jordan Zapata Senior
2023 Hamilton Big Blue Schedule
MAR. 2023
Mon. 27Oak Hills 05:00 PM
Wed. 29at Oak Hills 05:00 PM
Thu. 30Talawanda 05:00 PM
Fri. 31 at Mason 05:00 PM
APR. 2023
Mon. 3 Mason 05:00 PM
Wed. 5 Princeton 05:00 PM
Thu. 6 at Princeton 05:00 PM
Sat. 8 at Ross 02:00 PM
Mon. 10at Sycamore 05:00 PM
Wed. 12Sycamore 05:00 PM
Fri. 14 Colerain 05:00 PM
Mon. 17at Colerain 05:00 PM
Mon. 24at Middletown05:00 PM
Wed. 26Middletown 05:00 PM
Fri. 28 at Lakota West05:00 PM
MAY. 2023
Mon. 1 Lakota West 05:00 PM
Wed. 3 Fairfield 05:00 PM
Fri. 5 at Fairfield 05:00 PM
Sat. 6 Fenwick 07:00 PM
Mon. 8 at Harrison 05:00 PM
Tue. 9 Badin 05:00 PM
Fri. 12 at Springboro 05:00 PM
