Willamette baseball finding early success from freshmen players

When Robert Cantwell was gearing up for his third season coaching the Willamette baseball team, he faced a roadblock during tryouts.

Cantwell said he had a difficult time getting students to try out, with 24 players on the team across varsity and junior varsity.

"We have kids playing multiple positions because we just don't have the numbers to compete with some of these teams," Cantwell said.

Despite the hurdle, the Wolverines are hitting their stride at 10-4 overall, 6-2 in league play and are ranked No. 11 in the OSAA Class 6A rankings as of Sunday.

Four of those games were won by one-run, including a 12-11 walk-off win in extra innings against Sheldon and a 9-8 walk-off error win against Grants Pass. The Wolverines went 3-1 during the Springfield Tournament that also included two one-run wins against North Eugene and South Eugene.

"We're competing so far," Cantwell said. "We are getting lucky. They say it's better to be lucky than good."

Two freshmen making a big impression are starting shortstop and pitcher Myles Cox and second baseman Colin Robbins.

Cox hit his first two home runs of his high school career and pitched 2.0 innings against Grants Pass. Robbins, also a pitcher, earned the victory in 1.0 inning pitched and had the walk-off hit against Sheldon.

"A lot of us have known each other for a while because we've played with each other before high school," Cox said. "So then transitioning to high school I feel the chemistry was still pretty good, but for us freshmen to come in I feel they accepted us."

Two freshmen in sync

Cox and Robbins have been playing baseball together since they were about 6 years old. They first played on the same little league team coached by Robbins' dad, Caleb Robbins, and later on the same travel ball team.

Cox is continuing the family tradition as his dad, Josh Cox, played Division I baseball at Morehead State University in Kentucky. He's also following in the same footsteps as his older brother, Noah Cox, who was the starting shortstop for the Wolverines the last three years.

Cox has learned a few lessons from his older brother, who was a part of the Wolverines first state playoff appearances in school history in 2022 (reached 5A semifinals) and 2023.

"I learned how to play the game without so much pressure," Cox said. "Having fun and have it be simple because if you try to overcomplicate things out there, you're going to end up making errors."

Cox wasn't sure he would start right away as he was focused on making the team. He credits the offseason in helping him to make big strides in pitching, hitting and fielding.

While he juggles both fielding and pitching, he said he found the latter easier because of his fast arm, which is also vital at shortstop.

"This year it's been a little bit more challenging for me as a pitcher because I'm facing guys that are seniors and juniors who have seen pitching before," Cox said. "I'm a better fielder right now, but it makes sense because I'm still adapting to the older competition."

On the other hand, Robbins, the only boy among three sisters, learned the game through uncles and his dad.

He said his strongest quality is his fielding and speed, which was on display in the win against Grants Pass.

Together, the two are closely intertwined as position players with Robbins saying they "always have good communication."

"It helps the team because they know that Colin and I know each other, so they can trust us," Cox said. "They don't have to worry about two random freshmen out there. They know we can get the job done when we need to."

A roster full of potential

Cox and Robbins aren't the only two that add versatility to the team.

The Wolverines added senior catcher Jacey Roberts, a transfer from reigning 5A state champion Thurston.

"He brings experience and unity as a team," Cantwell said of Roberts.

Jackson Doughty, a junior who previously played catcher, now splits his time as a third baseman and pitcher.

Freshman Mason Christian tossed a one-hit shutout, registering nine strikeouts in the Wolverines' 2-0 win over North Medford in Game 1 of a doubleheader on April 6. Willamette defeated North Medford 7-5 in Game 2.

Sophomore Brodie Butler has played second base, third base and right field at least once this season.

It's safe to say the Wolverines are just getting started.

"Our goal right now for us is just to compete," Cantwell said. "We knew we were going to be young. We don't have a whole bunch of depth. We're just going to have to get the best out of who we have and what we have; and when we have them out there."

Willamette will play at South Medford (5-8, 2-5 Southwest Conference) at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Edith Noriega is a sports reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at ENoriega@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Noriega_Edith.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 6A Willamette baseball finding early success from freshmen players