CHIMACUM — The reigning Class 1A baseball state champion Chimacum Cowboys (4-0) aren’t backing down.
Losing only two games last year on the way to their second title in four years, the Cowboys are undefeated so far in 2012, which is more noted for rainouts and sloppy fields than competition.
Still, the Cowboys feature experience, talent and confidence as they try for their second championship in a row and third title in five years.
P erhaps most important, they don’t lack motivation.
Not settling for second could be the battle cry for the 4-0 team.
The Cowboys return seven starters from last season.
And many of the same players also were on the team two years ago when Chimacum lost in the state title game.
“They didn’t like the second-place tag they had [from 2010],” coach Jim Dunn said.
In its quest for a third consecutive state title game appearance, Chimacum will be anchored by its pitching staff — led by seniors Landon Cray, Austin McConnell and Quinn Eldridge.
All three hurlers have pitched on the varsity level since they were freshmen.
“In three years on varsity, those three guys have a number of big games under their belts,” Dunn said.
Most high school teams are lucky to have one state-worthy pitcher on their staff, Dunn has three he can throw against state competition.
Cray, who has signed to play at Seattle University, is the ace. He is a three-time Nisqually League MVP and was All-State last year.
Dunn expects him to take the mound against the best competition the Cowboys face this season.
“I know he throws strikes,” Dunn said. “I know he gets outs.”
When not pitching, Cray will play center field and bat leadoff in what should be a potent top part of the lineup.
Mike Nordberg will bat second, and McConnell, Eldridge, and Lucas Dukek will make up the heart of the order.
The rest of the lineup isn’t as solid.
“The bottom half is a little suspect,” Dunn said. “We don’t necessarily need doubles [from them], just productive at-bats, and not easy outs.”
When runners do get on, the Cowboys will be aggressive.
Dunn plans to keep base runners moving, hoping to capitalize when opponents make mistakes in the field.
Eldridge will also play shortstop.
Teaming with second baseman Nordberg, Eldridge forms a middle that Dunn considers the strength of the defense.
On the right side of the infield is senior Egan Cornachione, who Dunn considers one of the best third basemen in the league.
When not pitching, McConnell plays catcher.
“Austin is the best catcher on this side of the [Hood Canal] bridge, maybe even the Narrows,” Dunn said. “I don’t know of anybody better.”
Because his team is loaded with veteran players, Dunn doesn’t plan on giving the freshmen and sophomores much playing time.
One sophomore, though, who should contribute is Alex Morris.
“We need to see where he fits in,” Dunn said, “and see how he reacts to the varsity level.”
The Cowboys had their first five games of the season rained out, and have only four under their belts.
Therefore, even with all the returning players, Dunn doesn’t know exactly what to expect this season.
“I think we’re going to be tough to beat down the stretch,” Dunn said. “But first, we’ve got to get out there and play.”
The Cowboys last played March 27 and are on spring break this week.