STRATFORD – Outscoring conference opponents 24-5 in two conference games is a sign of good things to come.

And senior right hander Rob Belter allowing four hits against one of the best Division 4 hitting teams is proof the Stratford baseball team has the pitching that could carry the Stratford baseball team a long way.

The Tigers, ranked seventh in this week’s Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Division 3 poll, have shown what they can do both at the plate, on the base paths and maybe most importantly on the mound by outscoring opponents 64-23 in all six wins to kick off the 2009 season.

“This is a very athletic group that is extremely baseball savvy,” Stratford coach Bill Coker said. “We have the depth with five different starting pitchers that can go out and dominate on different days.”

Mason Nesbitt has been the biggest key on the mound after spending the summer pitching in the Black Sox league in Texas where he was able to fine tune his pitching form.

“His best pitch is a changeup,” said Coker of the senior, right-handed Nesbitt, who also got his velocity up to the low-to-mid 80s.

“In Wisconsin pitchers don’t typically use their changeup at the beginning of the year so hitters don’t usually see that.”

Things at the plate have had some issues early, but have been one of the strengths in the victories for the Tigers.

“We’ve pushed as an emphasis on kids the importance of two-strike hitting,” Coker said. “Last year we had way too many strikeouts. There’s still work for us to do to be a better team.”

Luke Wussow leads the way with a .597 batting average and nine RBI with Nesbitt in the mix there, as well.

The biggest key, however, for Stratford may be its aggressiveness on the basepathes with 14 stolen bases in two conference games.

“We don’t have anyone that is slow on this team,” Coker said. “Running keeps us out of double plays and gets a guy to second base where he is just a hit away from scoring or a past ball away from third.

“It can make a difference in the game. We don’t take runs for granted.”

One of the biggest motivators for this team, which has five seniors back from last year’s team that lost in the WIAA Division 3 regional semifinal to eventual state champion Marathon which moved to the Marawood South from the North this season.

“What get’s overlooked is the fact that we had opportunities to win that game,” Coker said of the playoff loss. “It certainly doesn’t hurt having them right there with us now.”