Braden River seniors make late season push

Braden River High seniors William Paterson and Joey Meador are making a late season push to take their team on a nice post season ride and help themselves earn a scholarship to college.

Paterson has really shown his growth this season. The second baseman has honed up his defensive skills and is making outstanding plays in the field. But his real improvement has been his hitting.

Paterson leads the Pirates (12-9) with a hefty a .404 batting average and in the last seven games knocked out 12 hits in 27 at-bats. For the season, he has stolen 6 bases in 7 attempts and has an impressive .514 on-base percentage.

After getting off to a slow start, Meador began to come on strong in the Sarasota Baseball Classic where he tore up opposing pitchers. He was 5 for 12 with his bat during the tournament, including two homers and two doubles and 8 runs-batted-in.

Meador leads the Pirates with three triples and two homers and is tied for the team lead with 11 RBIs and three doubles and tied for third with 12 runs scored.

As a team, Braden River is hoping to cut down on its strikeouts. The Pirates have fanned 111 times and have 78 walks in 625 plate appearances.

Cary Panichello has been another consistent hitter for the Pirates, who is impressing college scouts. The senior is second among the regulars with a .325 batting average and .404 on base percentage.