By Thad Satre
Prep Baseball Report, Indiana

The Pike Red Devils, led by Coach Michael Ruth, finished the 2012 season at 8-18 overall and struggled in Conference Indiana with a 2-5 record. Coach Ruth returns five starters and four pitchers for the 2013 campaign. 

Leading the charge for the Red Devils is senior Seth Hoffman. Hoffman does it all for Pike after playing all nine positions last year, and he provides a solid presence in the lineup. Fellow seniors Casey Warner and Matthew White are also experienced starters for Coach Ruth. Warner started at first base and also went 2-3 on the mound with a 4.16 ERA. White is a strong armed outfielder with good speed. 

The leading returning hitter for Pike is senior infielder Kevin Sharp, who hit .308 last season. Other players expected to contribute are juniors Matthew Mikesell, Jared Ruth, and Tate Spence. Mikesell and Ruth are talented athletes who have the ability to play multiple positions. Spence will see time behind the plate as well as at first base. 

The Red Devils will have their work cut out for them in the extremely tough Conference Indiana. Defending champion Columbus North as well as Bloomington North, Bloomington South, and Lawrence Central are expected to fight for the 2013 conference title.