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Beverly Baseball Preview

Last year's record: 10-11 (Lost in Division 1 North first round)

Coach: Dave Wilbur (Seventh year, 60-66)

Key returnees: Jack Leathersich Sr., P/DH; Chris Freni Sr., C; Brian Skerry Sr., 1B; Zak Levine Sr., P/OF; Sam Cohen Sr., SS; Matt Lanza Jr., 2B; Nick Tolanto Sr., P; Conor Walsh Sr., OF; Paul Drinkwater Sr., OF

Key departures: Nick Tanzella, Brian Ware

Strengths: With returning All-Star pitcher Jack Leathersich back at 100 percent after breaking his ankle late in the hockey season, the Panther hurlers look to be a strength. Senior Nick Tolanto is coming off a strong season last summer and hopes to solidify the No. 2 spot.

Concerns: Only senior Brian Skerry returns in the infield, so Beverly needs to shore up the double-play combination at second and short as well as third base, both offensively and defensively. Senior Sam Cohen, junior Matt Lanza and freshman Joe Wioncek are all in the mix.

Coach's outlook: "Our pitching will be strong but we're a little unsettled in the infield | we have to find the right combinations there. We're always optimistic and we're going out there looking to win every game that we can."