Greencastle Tiger Cubs back in Regional baseball contest

With its third sectional title secured, the Greencastle baseball team now turns its attention to a familiar foe with a trip to the semi-state on the line. 

The Tiger Cubs will face University again Saturday at 11 a.m. at Mooresville. A season ago, University knocked off Greencastle, 10-5. Greencastle coach Ben Wells said his team welcomes the opportunity to play University again, especially after knocking off county foe North Putnam for a sectional title. 

"Winning a sectional always feels good, it is not an easy thing to do and to win 3 in a row is really special. To have an opportunity to compete against University again is something that these guys have been looking forward to for a long time. University got the better of us last year and I think it is something that has been a a driving force for our guys, to get back and have another shot at them. They are a good team and our guys love to compete against the best.
We have a special group, one of the closest groups I have had the pleasure to coach with a lot of talent and hard workers from top to bottom, so getting back to this point was always the expectation in my eyes," Wells told The Putnam County Post. 

At 24-4, the Tiger Cubs have won nine straight contest and they have done it on the arms and bats of Sam Gooch and Nathan Sutherlin.

"We have so many guys on this team that have been integral to our success. It starts with Sam Gooch and Nathan Sutherlin. They are kind of the fuel for us. They are amazing people, leaders and players who have set the tone for us all season at the plate and on the mound," Wells said. 

In addition to those two, Wells singled out seniors Trevin Long, Ashton Dayhuff, Connor Sullivan and Tucker Elkins all as "great leaders who play the game hard all the time."

"Trev is an exceptional 3rd baseman with a lot of passion. Ash is the heart of the order hitter and we trust at any moment. Connor is flexible defensively and has played many positions for us this year at a high level and Tucker is a great glue guy who knows his role and is always ready when his number is called," Wells said.

Juniors Bryton Gregg and Dillon Hughes have also produced for the Tiger Cubs.  

"Bryton Gregg has also had a great season for us. He was dealing with some arm issues so getting him back in the field and at the plate has been a huge boost for us. Dillon Hughes has played well in the outfield and pitched some big innings for us," Wells noted.

In addition, Greencastle has gotten huge play out of sophomores Gavin Tyson, Cayden Scott and Griffin Goodpaster, as well as freshman Dylan Waugh behind the plate. 

"Gavin Tyson has been huge for us at the plate and versatile in the field for us playing a lot of different positions. Cayden Scott has moved his way to the 4 hole and has hit the ball really well for us all season and been a stabilizer for us on the mound after Bryton’s injury.  Griffin Goodpaster has been a defensive standout for us in the outfield and on the mound. Dylan Waugh has kind of taken over for us as our everyday catcher and has done a great job! He has done really well with catching an experienced staff and learning to control the game," Wells admitted. 

As for University, Wells maintains Saturday's opponent is a "very good team with a lot of talented players."

"But I say it all the time, I will put our guys up against anyone at anytime. This is a special group and I know we are capable of beating anyone. Last year’s game has definitely been a motivating factor because I don’t think our guys felt they played their best. So wanting a shot at University again has been something that I think they have been looking forward to and are excited about the opportunity. We have a good plan in place and the guys have been working hard to get ready for Saturday. It should be a lot of fun," he said. 

And, as for pressure, Wells said he doesn't believe the Tigers Cubs really feel pressure. 

"This has been a group that has been together for a long time now, played in some very big games and they want to be in these situations. Like I said, this is one of the closest groups I have coached and they do a great job of understanding their roles and playing as a team. They rely on each other and know what they are capable of. They set high expectations for themselves as individuals and as a team and this is the result of that," Wells said.