By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Coach Mike Coppinger, whose Medway High baseball teams have had their share of ups and downs for the last four years, is hoping his current edition of the Mustangs earn a state tourney berth and stage some surprises in the playoffs.

Coppinger and his players have experienced a roller-coaster ride for four seasons and what they’ve learned from it was how to be resilient, how to become mentally tough and how to overcome adversity.

The Mustangs qualified for tourney play in 2019 and ended their season by losing in the state championship final, 3-1, to Taconic. That Medway team was a junior-laden squad itching to get another chance to win a state crown. But a tourney return never materialized in 2020 because the Covid-19 pandemic forced cancellation of all spring sports.

“That was such a disappointment for those seniors,’’ said Coppinger. “That group lived for baseball and they formed one of the best teams I’ve ever had in my nine years as Medway’s coach. They wanted another chance to play in a state final. It was difficult to see those kids be denied.’’

When the Mustangs opened their 2021 campaign, they were very young, mostly all sophomores. Coppinger didn’t know what to expect. What he got were two extremes.

“We won a game early on, then suffered a 10-game losing streak,’’ he recalled. “We finished 4-14. An open tournament followed where any teams, regardless of their records, could compete.’’

Medway displayed lots of resilience after that devastating shutout in 2020. All they did was advance to the sectional semifinals by defeating East Bridgewater, Apponequet and Fairhaven before bowing to Middleboro. “We were playing our best at tourney time,’’ Coppinger offered.

Last year, the Mustangs posted a 7-11 record, qualified for the tourney because of the strength of their schedule, and split a pair of games, downing Middleboro then losing to powerful Medfield. 

Coppinger‘s 2023 edition was awaiting word on a tourney berth at Local Town Pages’ deadline — they had a 5-8 record after 13 games. Once again, the Mustangs’ strong Tri Valley League schedule and their margin in defeats give them an opportunity to earn a slot in the 32-team field.  

At the start of the season, the 37-year-old Coppinger listed three goals for his forces, whom he labeled as “young and scrappy.’’

“Our goals were to be competitive in every game and maintain a strong focus against teams like Norwood and Hopkinton,’’ he said. “We also wanted to finish .500 or higher and get a tourney berth. My last objective was to develop the kids into fundamentally sound baseball players and good citizens, too.’’

Medway’s team strengths include pitching (three left-handed starters), experience, hitting and an outstanding pitcher/defensive centerfielder in captain Luke Frauton, a TVL all-star last year who’ll play for Worcester Polytech. In 26 innings, Frauton had a 1-3 record, a 2.66 E.R.A. and 29 strikeouts at Local Town Pages’ deadline. His hitting stats include a .424 batting average, 12 runs scored and 11 stolen bases.

“Luke throws in the mid-80 mph range,’’ Coppinger said. “As a junior last year, he had a 3-2 record, an E.R.A. of 2.05 and 47 strikeouts in 30 innings. His fastball, curve and change-up are effective, he challenges hitters and his control and velocity are good. He works hard every day and he leads by example.’’

Two other left-handed pitchers are seniors Jack Reynolds, who also plays right field, and Sean Anderson who, at 6-foot-5, is a big target at first base. Last year, Reynolds had a 2-3 record, a 3.38 E.R.A. and 27 strikeouts in 31 innings.

“Jack is hitting .296 with four RBIs,’’ Coppinger said. “He’s tough, works hard, is dependable and his control is good whether he’s throwing a fastball, curve or change-up. Sean has had a bounce-back season. He’s been competitive in his outings and his defense at first base is excellent So far, he’s pitched 13 innings, has a 2-1 record and an E.R.A. of 4.42.’’

Sophomore catcher Jason Bedard has been a pleasant surprise. “He’s a competitive and tough kid who’s batting .273,’’ said Coppinger said. “He does a good job and is a calming influence when pitchers need to be settled down. Reserve catcher Charlie McKeown has had some key pinch hits and he maintains a superb attitude. His arm is strong and he’s respected by his teammates.’’

Three sophomores, who gained valuable experience last year, include Nolan Flotta (pitcher-left fielder), John Farrell (pitcher-shortstop), and Garrett O’Mara (pitcher/utility). 

“Nolan was our most consistent hitter last year (.327),’’ Coppinger said. “He’s improved his fielding and runs the bases well. A right-hander, he’s strong and throws hard in relief. John is a right-hander who has good command of his fastball, curve and change-up. Relying on a strong arm at shortstop, he’s made some big plays, thanks to a high baseball IQ.

“Garrett is versatile, able to pitch and play the infield and outfield. He also throws hard (80 mph) and his control is top-notch. He’s fast and the sky is the limit for him. He’s 1-0 as a pitcher, has 10 strikeouts and a 1.27 E.R.A.’’

Relying on an athletic philosophy that stresses the importance of winning, Coppinger believes that “teamwork and giving 100 percent make winning happen.’’ Life lessons he hopes his players learn are overcoming challenges, being resilient and mentally tough, and leadership.

Coppinger learned some valuable life lessons during his playing days. He pitched three no-hitters for Medway High and was a TVL all-star. At Merrimack College, he excelled on the mound as a sophomore and junior, but an injury forced him to play second base in his final season.

As his coaching career nears the 10-year mark, he probably would prefer less ups and downs. In the recent past, Medway’s baseball teams have provided him with some roller-coaster moments. As Forest Gump would say, they’re “like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get”: One year they’re in the state final; the next they fall victim to Covid; then they start another season by losing 10 straight games.

A 2023 tourney berth for the Mustangs no doubt would provide some drama. And also some lessons on mental toughness and resilience.