Countdown To First Pitch: Plenty Of Bats In 2014

Feb. 7, 2014

Depth will be the theme of WKU's 2014 offense and head coach Matt Myers has continually raved about the Hilltopper bats during fall and spring practices.

Despite losing slugger Ryan Huck, a 2013 First-Team All-Conference First Baseman that hit .367 and drove in 56 RBI, WKU returns more than half of its offensive production from 2013. The Hilltoppers return three of their top five hitters from last season in Scott Wilcox, Regan Flaherty and Ryan Messex and coupled with a offensively touted incoming class, Myers believe his squad will be a force at the plate.

"We have so many hitters. I really think our lineup is going to be as tough 1-2-3 as it is 7-8-9," said Myers. "Our six through nine guys can hit a ball out against anybody. That's what I'm excited about. Not only do we have quality depth, we are 13-14 hitters deep."

Seniors Wilcox and Flaherty produced at a high level from the top of the lineup in 2013, combining for 62 RBI, 32 doubles at a .307 batting clip. Newcomers Cody Wofford, Ryan Church and Philip Diedrick bring in offensive prowess from the JUCO ranks while the coaching staff has been impressed with the way their freshmen hitters have performed thus far. Sophomores Trevor Lowe and Thomas Peter return after productive rookie campaigns and Anderson Miller is healthy after seeing his impressive freshman season cut short due to injury.

Assistant coach Brendan Dougherty, who heads up the hitting and defensive efforts with the Hilltoppers, is also optimistic about the offensive options for WKU.

"Depth wise, we've got options to go with a left handed dominant or right-handed dominant lineup," said Dougherty. "We definitely have more depth than we've ever had in my years here."

Who's Back?

Leiff Clarkson

Regan Flaherty

John Gastinger

Justin Hageman

Ty Hogan

Trevor Lowe

Ryan Messex

Anderson Miller

Thomas Peter

David Simmons

Scott Wilcox