Despite losing three all-league performers from last season to graduation, Canby baseball hasn’t missed a beat and is 7-2 overall through its non-league schedule, currently slated No. 5 in the OSAA 5A state rankings.
“We lost some guys but we got new guys that just compete their tails off and these guys love each other,” Canby head coach J.J. Stolsig said. “That’s going to win some games and help you play good when your buddies are pulling for each other. Fun group to be around.”
Canby opened its season 2-1 before winning five of its last outings. The Cougars have posted five shutouts thus far and have yet to lose to a team from the 5A classification, notably edging No. 3 Ridgeview 8-7 at home on April 2. The team’s early success can be widely attributed to their staunch defense and production on the mound, as the Cougars have allowed the fewest runs scored in 5A this season at 27.
Seniors Joe Scott and Quinton Esmay are the foundation fortifying Canby’s pitching. Esmay has surrendered just three earned runs on 10 hits through 17.1 innings, striking out 19. Scott, meanwhile, has allowed six earned runs on 13 hits through 15.2 innings, striking out 24.
New faces have made their presence felt on bump as well, with freshman reliever Jack Brauckmiller allowing five earned runs on 16 hits in 12.1 innings, striking out nine.
“I think it’s just we’ve been throwing a lot of strikes, our defense has been making plays,” Scott said. “Then we have the bats to back us up. It’s been a team thing right now.”
Brady Ackerman leads the Cougars at the plate with 11 hits and 10 RBIs, posting a .393 batting average. Hayden Davis boasts a team-high .429 batting average, totaling nine hits and scoring 12 runs. First baseman Colby Herren and Esmay each have nine hits as well, with Herren and Dylan Nelson recording seven RBIs a piece while Esmay and Scott have drove in a combined 12 runs.
The season may be early but Canby appears primed for another trip to the postseason. The Cougars have qualified for the playoffs the last three times they’ve been held, losing in the first round 2-1 against No. 9 Ashland last year.
“Our goal is to play the best baseball until the end and so far we keep getting better,” Stolsig said. “That’s our main goal – can’t look too far ahead but next week (we’re) playing a really good opponent and we just got to keep getting better every single day.”
The Cougars will hit the road and open their Northwest Oregon Conference schedule on Tuesday, April 9, against No. 2 Wilsonville (7-3).
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