Moeller baseball comes out mashing with talent-filled lineup

Though they christened Kremchek Stadium Saturday in blustery conditions and played Tuesday in 40-degree weather, Moeller High School opened up their Greater Catholic League-South season Wednesday on a picture-perfect day for baseball.

Other than the weather, it wasn't quite perfect for their opponent, the St. Xavier Bombers.

Moeller plated two runs in the first, another seven in the second and five in the third against last year's league champions. The Bombers put up a 3-spot in the fourth to avoid the shutout but when starting pitcher Toby Hueber coaxed a ground ball to second baseman Conner Christenson for the final out, St. Xavier had experienced a rare run-rule defeat in five innings.

"Early in the year, you don't know really what's going to happen," Moeller head coach Tim Held said. "With all of the veterans, it might be the most hitters, arms and innings returning that I've had in 15 years. I feel really good about that, but there's a long way to go."

The Crusaders won 14-3 facing Michigan State commit Thomas Ryan who had Purdue-bound Max Klare (football and baseball) hitting behind him.

But, outside of Mason, teams will be hard-pressed to counter Moeller's lineup of future college baseball players.

Lightning-quick junior C.J. Richard leads off and plays center field. He walked three times Wednesday, which is about the equivalent of allowing three doubles. The Ohio State Buckeye commit will surpass last year's stolen base efforts in his next game.

The turf at the new home is conducive to Richard's game. It's also popular with those in charge of laundering baseball pants with no dirt to manually scrub.

"I love it here!" Richard said. "We're the first team to play on it, it showcases my speed. I feel like this is the most well-bonded team that I've played with. It makes it more fun to be around everybody coming to practice."

Arriving at Ohio State ahead of Richard will be first baseman Nate Earley. Earley is a 6-foot-1 inch lefty swinger offering up power and speed, as well as bold predictions.

"We're pretty solid," Earley said. "This is for sure the year for the Crusaders. Hopefully, we can stay strong and get ready for the next GCL game."

Across from Earley at third base is senior Blane Schmitt. Going by Blane Nestle previously, the Louisville commit can also play shortstop and possesses a strong throwing arm. Schmitt is one of six returning starters from last year's 20-10 squad.

A highlight of Wednesday's win was the big second inning with many runs coming with two outs.

"We know what to do in the big moments," Schmitt said. "We're all really close. We all know what we can do. We all know we put each other in the best position to execute when the time comes."

A junior like Richard, Hueber not only pitches but handles the infield as well as swinging a reliable stick. After hitting .360 with a home run and 23 RBI as a sophomore, he was 4-for-5 with three walks and four steals in his first two games. He won seven games on the mound in 2021 and recorded Wednesday's victory.

"Doing both is pretty hard, but it's fun to do, I like it," Hueber said of his dual role. "I think we have a really good shot at state. This is the team."

Hueber will eventually play for George Mason where he'll primarily be an infielder but will have his chances on the mound.

Also from Moeller's starting nine, infielder Connor Christenson is committed to Air Force, catcher Nathan Manley to Wright State and outfielders Griff Cady and Keelan Daniel to Winona State (Minnesota) and Findlay, respectively.

Junior Clay Burdette, who popped a couple of homers last year and pitched, is also an Ohio State commit, while senior Max Tramontana, who struck out 14 in the Kremchek Stadium opener Tuesday, is committed to Lafayette College in Pennsylvania.

The Crusaders have won the GCL-South seven times since 2010, but haven't been on top of the standings since 2018. St. Xavier has won three since then, including last season.

Elder has won two league titles in that time period and was the Division I state runner-up a year ago. Moeller faces Elder next Wednesday, as well as May 2-4.

La Salle last won in 2016. The Lancers await Moeller on Monday and again April 25-27.

"The team speed has improved," Held said. "I think up and down the lineup, we can push some things."

Moeller's next game at the Bucher Athletic Complex/Kremchek Stadium is Thursday, April 7 against Talawanda. The Crusaders will host the Highlands Bluebirds of Fort Thomas Saturday morning April 9. Over spring break, they travel to Myrtle Beach for the Cal Ripken Jr. Experience beginning April 11.

Their rematch series with St. Xavier will come after the South Carolina getaway, April 18-20.

"Around the city, there's some really good arms," Held said. "We know every day we're going to be tested with starting pitchers. We really work on our approach and try to be tough outs to get into that bullpen as soon as possible and see what happens from there."

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Moeller Crusaders baseball might have state tournament starting lineup