Yellowjackets set to open 2012 season

February 24, 2012

The Starkville Yellowjackets look to put a veteran team on the field today when they open the 2012 baseball season.

In coach Danny Carlisle's 29th and final season as the SHS coach, he only has two sophomore starters and the rest juniors and seniors.

Carlisle likes the way the Jackets have prepared for the year.

"Their approach to the game has changed," Carlisle said. "It is more business-like and more let's get the job done. That comes with maturity and knowledge.

"The thing they realize is they've got to win their job every day. When they realize that, they practice hard every day and it makes it a whole lot easier."

Starkville hosts a round-robin event today at Yellowjacket Field.

After the Jackets play Greenville in the opener at 11 a.m., Greenville takes on Grenada at 1:30 p.m. and Starkville plays Grenada to complete the schedule at approximately 4 p.m.

Carlisle sends two seniors to the mound as starters with Nick Brooks taking the baseball against Greenville and Nathan Pugh working against Grenada. Brooks signed with East Mississippi Community College in the offseason and Pugh inked with Pearl River Community College.

With Greenville and Grenada, Carlisle said his team will see some tough competition.

"It's two 6A schools," Carlisle said. "Greenville has some athletes and Grenada is a top 10 team this year so it should be good and fun."