Bonduel bats, defense look strong

Losing two of the Central Wisconsin Conference-8’s top players from a season ago would present challenges to almost any team.

First-team all-CWC selections Trevor Pedersen and Bailey Dingeldein are now gone, along with fellow graduates Blake Stoss and Bennett Gunderson.

Dingeldein, who head coach Donnie Gruenewald called one of the better hitters in the program over the past several years, nearly hit .500 for the year, but the Bears aren’t worried about their production at the plate this year.

“I know everybody that is returning, I think, has had a .300 batting average last year, so if they look to improve on that and get a couple guys over .400, .450, something like that, I think we’ll be OK hitting,” Gruenewald said.

Bonduel will turn to two junior lefties, Wyatt Erb and Jordan Boldt, to replace Pedersen, a dominant pitcher. Relievers Josh Richter, Brent Pieper and others also will assume larger roles.

“Basically, pitch to contact and try to make them put the ball in play, and then we need someone like Josh Richter or Brent Pieper to step up and pick up some of the slack for losing Trevor and what those other guys pitched last year,” Gruenewald said. “They’ve just got to step.”

Richter, who will be behind the plate when he isn’t on the mound, has worked with Erb for several years and split time with Stoss as catcher last year. Richter said he has to focus on improving on his fundamentals.

“I really need to work on my getting down and blocking balls,” Richter said. “I flinch, naturally, but just keep the ball in front and help out my team.”

The Bears, who finished 16-5 overall and 11-3 in the CWC-8 last year, have moved Pieper from third to first base, and added junior Jacob Banker and Bryce Weier to the infield.

Bryce Engel will join Boldt and fellow senior Brandon Olsen in the outfield, at least to start.

The Bears are stressing stopping teams from getting extra base runners or advancing because of errors.

“I don’t want to have any errors at all on defense,” Engel said. “I think we’re a pretty good defensive team, and I think that’ll be our strength.”

To compete for a conference championship with Pacelli, who returns first-team all-conference player Andy Tepp and second-teamer Jake Thomas, Bonduel will have to put together some complete performances.

“I know Pacelli is going to be tough, but I think these guys can compete for a conference championship. I really do,” Gruenewald said. “I believe we have the hitting, and I think the pitching is going to come along as the year goes on.”