PEDRO - A dash of this, a pinch of that and an ounce of whatever. Mix it all together and it's the Rock Hill Redmen.

Coach Barry Litteral said the Redmen have a very balanced attack that holds the key to the team's season.

"We have a good mix of everything. We have good team speed. We can run. We can hit for power, and we have had signs we can put the ball in play," Litteral said.

The Redmen struggled through a losing season last year, but Litteral is hoping that improved pitching will be another factor in reversing the team's results.

The pitching staff is comprised of Nathan Wagner, Matt Wilson, Justin Lavender, Artie Mullins, Michael Williams, T.J. Blagg and Josh Moore. Litteral has been pleased with their performances in the preseason.

"If our pitching has improved, which I think it has, we'll be okay. We'll go as far as our pitching takes us. We can score, but our pitching has to keep us in the game," Litteral said.

"Moore looked real impressive in our last scrimmage. He's worked real hard. Mullins can give us spot work as

a starter and reliever. Blagg, Lavender, Wagner and Wilson should give us some good innings."

The pitching staff will get plenty of run support from an offense that features four returning starters in Blagg, Wilson, Christian and Lavender, an All-Ohio Valley Conference first team pick.

Lavender, who led the team in home runs last season, is back at first base, Blagg will be at second, Wilson returns at shortstop, and third base will be between Mark Anderson, Nick Bryant and Williams.

"Third base will be by committee, but overall the infield has some experience," Litteral said.

With players shifting from their regular position to pitch, Litteral said Bryant will become the swingman.

"Nick can play where ever we put him. He can play second or third or in the outfield," Litteral said.

Wagner will be the catcher again with Nick Howard the backup. Howard will be in the outfield when he's not filling in behind the plate.

As for the outfield, Mullins will be in left field, Christian is back in center field, and Moore should be in right field.

Moore will move to first base when Lavender pitches.

Also in the outfield picture are Chris Howard and David Burks.

"We have a lot of people we can play and we've got some flexibility," Litteral said. "I think they can all hit pretty well."

Litteral plans to have an aggressive offense.

"We want to put pressure on people. We'll be aggressive on the bases and at the plate. We have pretty good team speed and we hope to use it," Litteral said.

With some solid pitching and an aggressive offense, the only thing missing is a good defense. Litteral thinks that will be better, too.

"I think we'll be able to hit the ball. Defensively, we've gotten better and matured. The kids have worked hard in the offseason on their defense," Litteral said.

Rock Hill Redmen

2005 Baseball Roster

PlayerPos.Gr.

Nathan WagnerC-PSr.

Matt WilsonSS-PSr.

David BurksOFSr.

Justin Lavender1B-PSr.

Artie MullinsOF-PSr.

Michael Williams3B-PJr.

K.C. ChristianOFJr.

T.J. BlaggOF-PJr.

Nick BryantOFJr.

Nick HowardCJr.

Josh MooreOF-1B-PJr.

Chris HowardOFJr.

Mark Anderson3BJr.

Johnathon Dickess2B-3BJr.

Danny Carmon1BJr.

Head coach:

Barry Litteral

Assistant coaches:

Kenny Patrick, Luke McFann, Jeff Davenport

2005 Schedule

March

29at Symmes Valley4:30

30at St. Joseph4:30

31at Oak Hill4:30

April

4at South Point*5:00

6at Coal Grove*5:00

8CHESAPEAKE*5:00

11at River Valley*5:00

13FAIRLAND*5:00

14ST. JOSEPH6:30

16at Whiteoak (2)10 a.m.

18COAL GROVE*5:00

20SOUTH POINT*5:00

21RACELAND, Ky.5:00

25at Chesapeake*5:00

26SYMMES VALLEY5:00

27RIVER VALLEY*5:00

29at Fairland*5:00

30at Ports. West (2)10 a.m.

May

2IRONTON5:00

3LUCASVILLE VALLEY5:00

5SOUTH GALLIA5:00

7GREEN (2)Noon

*-Denotes OVC game