Lexington (1-4) and Madison Comprehensive (0-4) both struggled to start the season, and both teams were looking for their first win when they went head-to-head on April 3. Senior Colton Murfield came out and pitched a complete game shutout, whiffing Rams left and right, to take a 5-0 win for the Minutemen.
Murfield, who is a stud on the hill earning first team All-Ohio Cardinal Conference honors last year, allowed only four hits and a walk, while striking out 12 batters to put Lexington in the winning column.
Lexington had six hits in the game, and were led by Landon Hamilton with as 2-for-2 day. He also walked and scored a pair of runs, and stole a base. Zian Rhodes went 1-for-4 with a run and an RBI, while also stealing a bag. Catcher Jaxon Brown was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a steal, and Michael Togliatti went 1-for-2 with an RBI.
Madison Comprehensive had a solid pitching performance from Ethan Glasgo despite taking the loss. He allowed four runs with three earned, five hits, four walks, while striking out three in five-and-one-third innings.
Owen Morrow had the game’s only extra base hit with a double, and also had a walk. Cameron Kuhn went 2-for-3 for the Rams.
The Minutemen are coming off a season where they went 9-18 and were 4-10 in the Ohio Cardinal Conference, but with 12 returning letter winners and 11 of them starters (three pitchers, eight position players) they have experience on their side. Coach Jeff Strickler also sees big things from his starter this year, saying that even after a solid 2023 campaign, Murfield is a player who should be a star in his senior season.
“Lexington has a starter returning for every position on the field this year,” Strickler said. “Five of these players, all seniors, earned post-season honors last season. Colton Murfield (1st team OCC, 2nd team District 9) after an outstanding season last year, is returning to the varsity mound for his third year. Though his record was 3-2, Murfield posted a .982 ERA last season while striking out 60 with only 15 walks in 57 innings pitched. Being a great competitor with improved velocity, Murfield is looking to have an even better season this year.”
Brown was a second team All-OCC and District 9 selection, and has played varsity all four years. Strickler commented on his ability to play excellent defense at the dish, and also directing the defense. He has a strong arm, and has also developed into a solid hitter with some power. He called Brown “one of the premier catchers in our district, if not the state.”
Togliatti was second team All-OCC and District 9 honorable mention, and is a two year letter winner. The outfielder plays excellent defense, hits for contact and has plenty of speed. He led the team in steals, succeeding on 13 of 14 attempts.
Second baseman Rhodes was an honorable mention All-OCC and District 9 selection last year. He is another dangerous player on the base paths, going 11-for-11 on steals. He also has power to all fields, leading the team in slugging last year at .458. Rhodes has worked to improve his glove work, as well.
Braden Mumaw was an honorable mention All-OCC selection and returns for his senior year at third base. Strickler praised him for his batting eye and power, as he led the team in both hits and RBIs last year.
Starting in the outfield along with Togliatti are returning starters Hamilton, a senior, and sophomore Markale Martin. Junior Max Montgomery and senior Carter Wilson will also see playing time, and Strickler said they all have great speed and hands, with strong arms. They are able to cover a lot of ground and can run down fly balls. Togliatti, Hamilton and Martin had only three errors in 113 chances last year.
“Hamilton, a 3-year letterman, has developed into an outstanding defensive centerfielder with a great arm while he continues to improve at the plate,” Strickler said. “Martin had a good year batting .279 power to all fields as a freshman.”
The infield is rounded out by junior Chance Basilone at shortstop and senior Aedan Nicol at first base. Basilone has started since he was a freshman, and is known for his great range and hands, with a quick release on the throw. He had 12 steals last season, showing he has good speed and baserunning skills. Nicol has improved defensively first base, and at the plate has a good eye, while hitting for power.
The pitchers include four others with starting varsity experience. This includes seniors Cooper Dreibelbis and Levi Davis, as well as Carter Wilson and Hamilton. There are also several players looking to vie for time on the hill after solid JV campaigns (Gage Powell, Max Montgomery, Tyler Galownia and Chris Foster), and Rhodes and Martin should also see time. Rhodes will likely come in as a closer.
Strickler said the team’s success relies on throwing more strikes, reacting and making plays quicker, and putting the ball in play so they can utilize their speed.
“With practically the entire team returning and the talent they have, we are looking to win the conference and make a deep tournament run,” Strickler said.
