Glenwood to rely on trio of pitchers in the AISA state championship series

Glenwood coach Tim Fanning has the type of problem any baseball coach would like to have. He has three pitchers — Daniel Holley, Carson Hicks and Tyler Cadenhead — all of whom he can trust when he calls on them.

All three are expected to play a key role as Glenwood faces Autauga Academy Wednesday in the AISA Class 3A baseball championships at Paterson field in Montgomery. Two games are to be played Wednesday starting at 11 a.m. If a third game is needed; it will be played Thursday at noon.

“The team is focused and even though we have had a long layoff — this is a veteran ball club that has already played 50 games this year and should be ready,” Fanning said.

Asked if he had decided on a starter for the first game Fanning replied with a smile, “I have not decided yet.”

He has three strong candidates.

First is the left-hander, Holley, who was the winning pitcher in the first games of both the Morgan and Monroe series, allowing the Gators to take a 1-0 lead in both.

“I feel real good about being a part of a team that is playing for a state championship,” Holley said. “Pitching I feel is my strong point and I am glad to be a part of this.”

Holley fractured his pitching elbow last year after only four innings and was not a factor in Glenwood’s semifinal series loss to Monroe Academy.

If Holley does not start, then Fanning could turn to Cadenhead, a Columbus State signee. Cadenhead has also been the team’s regular catcher when not on the mound. Cadenhead won the deciding contest against Monroe and also hit a home run. He was a part of the 2014 team that last won a state title.

“I’m a little nervous, but I am ready to play the games. It’s really a good feeling and I want to get the game plan ready,” Cadenhead said.

Finally, there is Hicks, another left-hander. Hicks’ record is 12-1 and was the shutout winner in the final game against Monroe Academy sending the Gators to the finals. His only stumble was the second game against Morgan series, his only loss, but the two-hit win sending the Gators to the finals was a confidence boost.

Hicks was also the third game starter in 2104 against Monroe Academy and has played for three years for the Gators. Hicks and Holley also share first base when one or the other is pitching.

“Nothing has really changed for us. The layoff has us being able to work on some things like going to CVCC and working on relays on a larger field like Paterson,” said Hicks. “I’m ready to play.”

The Glenwood baseball team has won 20 state championships, the last coming in 2104.

Glenwood and Autauga met once during the regular season at the Edgewood wood bat tournament and Glenwood won 3-2.

“They are not going to do anything we don’t expect and I am sure they know what we have as well. It’s a matter of execution,” Fanning said.

This story was originally published May 10, 2016 at 6:39 PM with the headline "Glenwood to rely on trio of pitchers in the AISA state championship series."