Palisade High School Baseball Team Hopes for a Successful Spring Season

This spring, expectations are exceptionally high for the Palisade High School baseball team. After finishing second in the Southwestern League and reaching the semifinals of the Class 4A state tournament, the Bulldogs are well-positioned to remain one of the top teams on the Western Slope.

Strong Offensive Returns

The Bulldogs retain most of their offensive power from last year’s Final Four team, having lost only one of their top six hitters—Easton Embrey, who is now playing at Florence-Darlington Tech in North Carolina. Key returners like Kian Kinslow, Dylon Larson, and Hunter Howard lead a six-man senior class eager to return to the state tournament’s final weekend.

Team Chemistry and Leadership

“We’re anticipating strong chemistry and leadership from our seniors,” said Coach Nate Porter. “All of them are capable players, so I’m mainly looking for teamwork and guidance. I’m immensely proud of this group, not just for their skills but for their character and personalities.”

Outstanding Individual Performances

Senior shortstop Hunter Howard has transitioned smoothly from basketball, having played a crucial role in the Bulldogs’ basketball team’s recent success. In a recent game, he hit a three-run homer, demonstrating his prowess on the baseball field as well.

Power and Potential

Palisade has seen home runs from three different seniors in just three games, including center fielder Larson and catcher Will Seriani. Last season, Larson led the team with a .526 batting average, while Howard followed closely with a .411 average. Interestingly, all three seniors had only two home runs each last season.

Cohesion in the Senior Class

Another key player, senior Tobyn Trottier, is expected to contribute significantly on offense, having recorded three home runs as a junior. Danyel Ishida-Farmer, senior pitcher, also stands out, boasting the team’s best ERA from last season and expected to shoulder a significant amount of pitching this spring.

Aiming for the Finish Line

Despite a recent scare during a game last Friday, where Palisade’s bullpen struggled, the team rallied to maintain their 3-0 record. Looking ahead, Howard emphasized their goal: “We want to leave a lasting impression, not just for ourselves but for our teammates, coaches, and school. We share a common hope of finishing our senior year at state, which would be the pinnacle of our high school baseball experience.”