MIDDLEBURG – Early in the high school baseball season, the Middleburg Broncos followed up a 19-3 drubbing over St. Augustine with a lopsided 15-3 win over Keystone Heights.
But that was mid-February.
Since then, the Broncos have won just two of their last seven games. Fortunately for Middleburg, head coach Allan Burnsed isn’t one to worry.
“Our goal is to put the ball in play and force our opponents to make plays,” Burnsed said. “For the most part we’ve done that, but we’re still a work in progress.”
The work in progress statement by Burnsed showed up in their latest loss, a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Gainesville High Tuesday night even though two pitchers combined on a one-hitter, however, nine walks and four errors sealed their fate.
“Too many errors and way too may walks to win this one,” said Burnsed. “At times those two areas have been an Achilles heel for us but we will get it cleaned up.”
Middleburg’s record is now 4-6, but more importantly the Broncos fell to 2-2 in a competitive, nine-team district that features undefeated Fleming Island and a tough team from Lake City that already has beaten them 5-0.
“But we’re a scrappy team that’s still finding our way right now,” Burnsed said. “I know once the district tournament begins we can be a scary team to face for anyone.”
Leading the charge for Burnsed is his senior shortstop Mike Reed, who is headed to the University of Auburn this fall.
Reed, at 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, leads the Broncos with a .424 batting average that includes a team-high six doubles. His two home runs place him in a tie with fellow senior Matt McRee, who also is hitting at a .424 clip.
“Mike is our team leader and he leads by example,” Burnsed said. “Although he may be a quiet leader, he can be a vocal one when necessary.
“And Matt, he’s our jack of all trades,” the veteran coach continued. “He plays first base, outfield or designated hitter -- basically wherever we need him. Right now he’s seeing the ball really well.”
Additionally, Burnsed pointed to the play of outfielder Travis Cook and second baseman Taylor Gonzales, a pair of juniors who are hitting .357 and .310, respectively.
“Both of those guys are solid, hustling players who fit the mold,” Burnsed said.
Several rainouts have caused rotation problems for Burnsed and his pitching corps, but he knows that junior Cody Robinson is the ace of the staff.
The 6-foot-1-inch lefty sports a 2-2 record, but more impressive is his 45 strikeouts over 26 innings pitched. He has also allowed just four earned runs.
“I believe Cody’s growth in height over the year has helped with his velocity,” said Burnsed. “He has gone from the high 70s and low 80s to the mid-80 mark; his slender build is an added bonus.”
Following Robinson to the mound are Gonzales, sophomore Corey Haynes, senior Trevan Miles and freshman Chuck Vanderenter, who has been moved up from junior varsity after a stellar start to the season.“He almost threw a perfect game against Ed White on JV,” Burnsed said.
“He also pitched very well against a good Clay High team” at the varsity level, he said.