Claremore Daily Progress

Verdigris

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  • Verdigris senior outfielder Tanner Smith (24) rips a double to the left-field wall in a 2012 game against Newkirk during the Class 3A state playoffs. Smith and the two-time defending 3A state champion Cardinals open the 2013 season at Noon on Saturday at home against Nowata. TIM RITTER

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  • Verdigris senior Blake Battenfield returns to anchor the pitching staff and play shortstop for the Cardinals this spring. Battenfield signed a national letter of intent in November 2012 to play college baseball for Oklahoma State University. TIM RITTER

    DSC_6290web.jpg
February 28, 2013

'Chasing a 3-Peat'

Verdigris opens baseball season Saturday against Nowata

Tim Ritter Sports Editor

VERDIGRIS — W.T.L.G.

Those four letters hold a special meaning to the 2013 Verdigris Cardinals baseball team.

For the past two seasons, the Cardinals have used ‘W.T.L.G.’ as their motivation toward building a baseball dynasty.

Inside the dugout — from March to May — these Cardinals believe in ‘Winning The Last Game’.

For this year’s senior class — led by outfielder Tanner Smith and shortstop/pitcher Blake Battenfield, Verdigris has produced back-to-back state championships in Class 3A.

In 2012, the Cardinals rallied to beat Metro Christian, 6-5 for their second state championship and finished the season with a 30-4 overall record.

In 2011, the Cardinals rolled past Eufaula, 8-2 to claim the 3A state championship and recorded a 32-8 overall record.

Under the leadership of head coach Brian Keith and assistant coach Scott Smith, the Cardinals’ baseball program has produced a two-year overall recorded of 62-12.

The senior class gears up for their final season, looking to bring a 3-peat back to Verdigris.

For Smith and Battenfield, and the other seniors, the diamond is where dreams come true.

On Saturday, the road toward the 3-peat starts for this experienced group of Cardinals.

With Battenfield and Ryan Skalnik still chasing those title dreams on the basketball court in the 3A Area Tournament, the Cardinals will open the season against Nowata without their ace pitcher/shortstop and starting third baseman.

Smith, however, returns for his fourth year in center field, and will be looked upon for leadership and ‘pop’ in the Cardinals’ lineup.

Blessed with blazing speed, Smith provides the Cardinals with a potent weapon in the outfield.

Also, sharing time in the outfield will be senior Ryan Hurd and senior J.W. Owens.

Hurd and Smith helped spark the Cardinals’ football team to the second-round of the Class 3A state playoffs and a 10-2 overall record.

Smith amassed 2,282 rushing yards and scored 31 touchdowns as the Cardinals’ four-year starting tailback.

This season, the Cardinals’ infield will consist of Skalnik at third base, Battenfield at shortstop, Kale Keith at second base and Mitch Hammack at first base.

Behind the plate, sophomore Riley Kelzor and Hammack will share catching duties.

The 2013 Cardinals roster includes: Blake Battenfield, SS, Sr., Gabe Rodery, 1B/OF/LHP, Fr., Ryan Hurd, OF/RHP, Sr., Ryan Skalnik, 3B/RHP, Jr., Reece Phillips, OF/RHP, Soph., Mitch Hammack, 1B/C/RHP, Soph., Nathan Green, OF, Soph., Trey Weiesnbach, OF/C/RHP, Fr., Riley Kelzor, C/1B/RHP, Soph., Nathan Nadal, OF, Fr., Kale Keith, 2B/OF/RHP, Soph., Blake Stone, 3B/1B/OF, Soph., Caleb Ayers, 2B, Soph., Tanner Smith, OF/RHP, Sr., Trevor Moyer, 1B/OF/LHP, Fr., J.W. Owens, OF/RHP, Sr., Dalton Turner, OF, Fr., Sam Hill, 1B/RHP/C, Soph. and Peyton Battenfield, 2B/RHP, Fr.

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