Emory, Va. - The Emory & Henry baseball team took some lumps this season finishing with a record of 7-27. But under the tutelage of head coach, Trey McCall, the Wasps made strides in finding players for the future. In early April, the team picked up a series sweep over the Washington and Lee Generals which capped a three-game win streak. With only four seniors leaving the team, the Wasps will look to their young players to improve in ODAC play.
First baseman, Bransen Christopher, earned second team All-ODAC honors in his final season as a Wasp. Christopher tied for the team lead in batting average at .356 and the Hickory, N.C. native was also second in the ODAC in doubles with 13 on the year. Senior Aaron Sparks was the ace of the Wasps pitching staff. The lefty led the team in games started, wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts. One of his victories included a complete game victory over Washington and Lee. At shortstop, Jordan Woullard finished his final season with a .248 average, eleven RBIs, four extra-base hits, and three stolen bases. Kevin Nelson was a transfer from Virginia Intermont that made a huge difference at the plate for the Wasps. Primarily as a designated hitter, Nelson finished third in the ODAC in home runs. These four seniors leave the program with some exciting young talent in place to fill their shoes.
The Wasps were proficient at hitting the long ball throughout the season as the team was tied for the ODAC lead in team home runs with 22 on the year. The ODAC’s biggest power hitter was junior transfer Brandon Lineberry. The Carroll County native had a great season that was topped off by an All-Region selection as he led the ODAC in home runs (9), RBIs (37), and slugging percentage (.712). His nine home runs were the most in a season by an E&H player since the 2005-06 season. Freshman third baseman Carson Bryant added to the home run total by hitting three out of the park in his rookie season. Outfielder Matt Whisnant had a productive second year for the Wasps as he hit .317, seven doubles, a home run, and ten RBIs.
On the mound, the Wasps had to deal with injuries from some key players. Juniors Ty Hill and Matthew McInaw finished their seasons with 13 and 19 strikeouts, respectively. Sophomore Garrett Butler filled their shoes by pitching 41 innings, striking out 19 batters, and winning two games on the year. With a healthy pitching staff next season, the Wasps will look to earn more wins in the ODAC.
Team Leaders
Batting average – Bransen Christopher and Brandon Lineberry, .356
Hits – Bransen Christopher, 47
Home Runs – Brandon Lineberry, 9 (Led ODAC)
RBIs – Brandon Lineberry, 37 (Led ODAC)
Stolen Bases – Matthew Whisnant, 4
Wins – Garrett Butler and Aaron Sparks, 2
Strikeouts – Aaron Sparks, 33
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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston, E&H '15