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Brownton Bruins

2023 regular season record : 10-12 . Eliminated by Plato in the Region 7C playoff

Departures : None official . Veteran pitcher Troy Kohls may return to his initial team , Young America , as the Cardinals transition back to class C .

Additions : Long-time Bruins center fielder Spencer Glaeser will return this season after taking a few years off . Glaeser last played for the Bruins in 2019 , will likely slot into batting leadoff , and will bring back speed and a tremendous ability to get on base . His return to centerfield will free up other players to play their more natural positions . Key Hitters : SS Scott Finberg , . 387 batting average ,

2 homeruns . OF / 3B Andy Prieve , . 344 batting average , 14 RBI

RF Deryk Randt , . 299 batting average LF / DH Nate Schultz , . 297 batting average , 3 homeruns Pitching : The “ ageless wonder ” and workhorse Ryan Grams pitched 73.2 innings last year , going 8-4 with a 3.05 ERA and 79 strikeouts . Seth Schuette pitched 35 innings with an ERA of 4.89 . The aforementioned Troy Kohls pitched 35.1 innings .

Forecast : The Bruins will look to return to the state tournament in 2024 , after missing it last year . For a state tournament trip , Grams said the Bruins must get “ timely hits in big spots and I have to pitch better in big spots .” Grams also cited the need for more depth in the pitching department , especially if Troy Kohls indeed moves on . Grams mentions Andy Prieve as a current member of the team who could step into a key pitching role .

PHOTO BY KIP KOVAR-

MasonClarkandtheBrowntonBruinswillbelookingtogetbacktothestatetournament after missing out in 2023 .

FUELS • PROPANE • LUBRICANTS