Scarlet Hawks young but getting better every week

Milford High head baseball coach Alex Dion can draw a quick parallel between this year’s team and a team from his recent past. The Scarlet Hawks are starting a number of younger players and, at times, are taking their lumps. But two years ago, Milford used an experienced roster of players who had been starting for three or four years to make a run to the state semifinals.

“We think it’ll end up being similar to the 2024 team,” Dion said. “I had started a bunch of young players in the years before, and that group ended up winning 17 games.”

The Scarlet Hawks started the season 3-1 before a five-game losing streak, a sign of the challenges that can come with having a newer roster.

“We had a nice little run the last couple of years, and having a lot of new faces this season obviously presents some challenges, but also hopefully prepares us for the postseason,” Dion said. “We are playing some really strong competition, and they are a fun group of guys to coach.”

Senior Joey McGee is among the most experienced players on the Milford roster. Slated to play baseball next year at Southern New Hampshire University, McGee has been a starter since his freshman year. He is still recovering from a torn ligament suffered last year.

“He can’t pitch for us, which obviously hurts, but he is one of the best fielders I have had in the 14 years I have been here,” Dion said. “He provides leadership, and he’s a good offensive player.”

Junior Ryan Flis is back behind the plate after starting at catcher last season. Senior Derek Marcolini, an infielder, and left-handed pitcher Jaxen Lindsey are also returners with significant varsity experience.

A total of 10 of the 17 players on the roster are either freshmen or sophomores, and some are playing big roles right away. Sophomore Cody Geoffroy is starting one game per week on the mound and playing the other two in the field. Freshman Ryan Atherton has started every game, and Dion praised him as a “really athletic, physical kid.”

Vince Loscerbo is a regular in the MHS lineup as a sophomore, and freshman Lucas Dominguez has made a strong impression as a starting pitcher.

“He is another guy who is young, but there is some promise there,” Dion said, adding that the influx of youth should help set the program up for the years to come.

“We want to be competitive now, and win right now, and teach them how to do the right things now,” Dion said. “And hopefully, it pays off for us.”

Joey McGee takes a swing during a recent MHS game. He is one of the team's leaders. Photo credit: Cam Zicherman