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When BC High lost a heartbreaker to Catholic Memorial back on January 8, Matt Keohane and his teammates circled their next tilt with the Knights on their respective calendars, revenge on their minds.

On Sunday morning, they accomplished their mission. Keohane potted a pair of goals and had an assist, as the Eagles earned a convincing 4-1 victory over their archrivals from the west side of town at Edward T. Barry rink.

It was huge, Keohane said of the win. And it was even bigger because they beat us earlier in the season. So we had something to prove tonight, and we came out and did it.

Against a fellow Catholic Conference juggernaut, BC High looked formidable, and thats putting it simply. The Eagles (8-3-1) only needed 3:14 of game action to put one on the board in the opening period, as Keohane corralled a rebound in front of the Catholic Memorial net. As Dom Walecka dove to try and reel it back in, the senior center tapped a shot over the sprawling goaltender, finding twine to provide BC High a 1-0 advantage.

With 1:48 remaining in the opening stanza, the Knights were whistled for cross-checking, and BC High was quick to cash in. 21 seconds later, junior left winger Colin Norton buried a shot for the Eagles to make it a 2-0 contest entering intermission. Keohane and Michael Dragon were credited with the assists during the frantic sequence.

Then, at the 2:59 mark of the second period, Keohane struck again, as Norton fed him the puck. The senior reared back, and uncorked a rocket from the slot, finding twine as BC High watched its lead balloon to 3-0.

However, after being held to just one shot in the opening period, Catholic Memorial (6-3-5) began to find a rhythm late in the second. After Gavin Havens won a faceoff, sophomore Tommy Goonan hauled the puck in, then forced a wrister on net. The defenseman didnt miss his target, as the shot went top-shelf, and the Knights cut it back to 3-1.

We just talked about getting back to what we were doing, BC High coach John Flaherty said. Getting back to the basics. C.M. outworked us for there for stretches of the second period, and there was a time where it looked like we couldnt get it out of our zone. So credit to them for winning faceoffs, sprinting to get to pucks. We had to get back to what we were doing in the first period, and I think you saw that in the third period, we got back to playing the way we were.

With 6:09 left in regulation, Brian Bulger sealed things for BC High, as he launched a shot from the blue line, which whistled into the bottom corner of the Catholic Memorial cage to make it 4-1, putting any creeping thoughts of doubt fans in attendance may have had to bed.

Dragon notched two assists to aid the Eagles.

The critical win only bolsters BC Highs case for a Super Eight berth. However, Flaherty is only focused on the next few games. The Eagles can clinch a Div. 1 tournament spot with another victory.

Its big for consideration, Flaherty said. Its big for all those things that they talk about in those meetings. But were still two points away from qualifying. So we have to qualify before we can even be considered for any tournament. But any time you play C.M., and you get in the win column, its big for the school, and big for the community.

BC High doesnt have the luxury of taking nights off. The Eagles will welcome another Catholic Conference foe, and arguably the top team in the state when Xaverian pays a visit to UMass-Boston this upcoming Wednesday.

I told everyone that were not a joke this year, Keohane said. I think a lot of people didnt believe in us this year, and I think that coming out right now and proving that we can beat a top-three team is huge for us.

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BC High evens the score against Catholic Memorial - Boston Herald

The Marblehead High School boys hockey team is having a solid season, rolling along into the second half of the regular season schedule with a record of 8-2-2, and as long as they stay away from teams with Bedford in their names they should continue to succeed.

The Headers lost to Bedford, N.H. on Dec. 23, and then this past Monday afternoon, Jan. 20, the Bedford Buccaneers (8-1-3) from Middlesex County maintained that hex to the tune of 3-1.

Last Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Headers rallied from 3-1 deficit heading into the third period to tie host Winthrop, 3-3 at Larsen Rink.

The Vikings took a 1-0 lead early on in the second period, but the Marblehead boys evened things up on a goal by Eli Feingold. Mike Flaherty and Zach Piersol collected the assists.

After the home team scored twice late in the second, the Headers were looking for a comeback in a very tough place to play. That comeback effort started on a Carter Laramie goal assisted by Colin Hart and Piersol. Marblehead then earned a point, when J.T. Monahan scored an unassisted goal with 2:43 left on the clock. Goalie Peter Santeusanio made 32 saves to help preserve another point in the standings.

Marblehead then went into the third period of Monday afternoons road game in Bedford trailing 2-0, but pulled within one on a score by Piersol with 5:01 left in the third. Chris Locke and Hart had the assists on Harts goal.

Bedford put one into the empty net with just over a minute left to spoil any comeback bid by the Headers.

Co-captain Loch Sheridan said his team did not come out as strong as they should have on Monday afternoon, and now they have to prepare for Thursdays road game at Lowells Tsongas Center against Lowell Catholic. It is the third of six straight road matches, before they return home to Salem States OKeefe Center for a rematch against Winthrop on Saturday, Feb. 8.

"(It) was definitely not our best game. Everyone was flat, and there was no energy on the bench. Bedford was a good, hard-working team, who just beat us to the puck and out-skated us throughout the majority of the game," Sheridan said.

Head Coach Chris Wells echoed his captains sentiments, and the team will be working on being more consistent.

"We have to get back to competing. Its a little disconcerting that weve been inconsistent for some parts of the season. (Monday) we came out flat. We really just didnt have anything," Wells said. "We have to get back to doing the little things like competing. We have to be much more aggressive.

"We have a tough stretch of road games coming up, and we know its not going to get any easier (against Lowell Catholic)," the coach added. "Thursdays a tough game, and then we have Danvers. Theyre playing better, so we have another tough conference game coming up [Saturday night at the Bourque Arena in Beverly at 8:20 p.m.]."

Thursdays game against the Lowell Catholic Crusaders gets underway at 3:30 p.m. in Lowell.

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Marblehead boys hockey team skating smoothly with few hiccups - Wicked Local Marblehead

The Merrimack Valley Conference has always featured wide open battles for supremacy, but this year Central Catholic team appears to be the favorite thanks to good depth throughout its lineup as well as standouts like the Glynn brothers, senior Mike and sophomore Jimmy, leading the way.

But defending champ Haverhill is not about to give up its crown easily, and is paced by standouts Jake Nicolosi, Steven Wise, Ben Davoli and Jay Levy. Also, Chelmsford should be a contender led by standout Evan Goodall, North Andover should be vastly improved if it stays healthy and Lawrence is always dangerous. Methuen looks to be rebuilding a bit, but never discount the Rangers and Andover should remain highly competitive and capable of pulling off an upset or two.

In short, it looks like a typical wild MVC season is ahead of us.

Andover

2018-19 season: 20-8

Returning starters (8): Kelvin Davila, Sr. 152; Brendan Major, Sr., 195; Lukas Kaufman-LaDuc, Sr., 126/132; Elias Maita, Sr., 160 Daonysos Hatzigiannis, Jr., 126/132; Sean Ballou, Jr., 170; Connor Sheehan, Jr., 170/182; Miles Fraser, Soph., 138

Returning lettermen:Quaid Johnson, Jr., 160; James Archambault, Soph., 120; Theodore Krueger, Soph., 120/126; Max McNeeley, Soph., 132; Mahesri Hussain, Soph., 132/138; Jonathan Davila, Soph., 145

Promising newcomers: AJ Heidtke, Jr., 285 Alec OBrien, Soph., 138

Candidates: 26; Captains: Kelvin Davila, Elias Maita

Fast facts: Kelvin Davila is coming off a strong football season. ... Junior and first-year wrestler AJ Heidtke, brother of former football standout Payton, will step in at heavyweight. ... Sophomore Jonathan Davila had an early season-ending injury last year but is back healthy and looks solid.

Assistant coaches: Ken Najem

Coach Mike Bolduc (5th year, 53-49-2): The front end and back end of the lineup is very inexperienced. Well rely heavily on the middle of the lineup early until we can get some mat time for the younger wrestlers. With only a couple days of practice behind us, I am pleased with the tempo of practice and the athleticism of some of the student/athletes on the mat.

Central Catholic

2018-19 season: 21-1

Returning starters (8): Nate Vachon, Sr., 126; Mike Glynn, Sr., 120; Matt Shaw, Sr., 152; Jorge Cosme, Sr., 285; Anthony Mears, Jr., 220; Kyle Hebert, Jr., 145; Brian Buffagna, Jr., 182; Jimmy Glynn, Soph., 106

Returning lettermen: Cody Reuda, Jr., 113; William Derocha, 195/220, Jr.; Aaron Coppeta, 170. Jr. Eddie Ayotte 152, Soph.; Jon Delany, 160, Soph.

Promising newcomers: Stephen Donovan, Jr., 132; Jackie Denehey, 120, Frosh.; James Bohenko, 113, Frosh.; Nick Spero, 106, Frosh; Sean Finneran, 170, Frosh.

Candidates: 37; Captains: Mike Glynn, Nate Vachon

Fast facts: Central is an impressive 40-3 over the last two years. ... Mike Glynn was 46-8 last year and finished 3rd in New England. ... The Raiders return five state placers and seven sectional placers. ... Transfer Stephen Donovan comes in from Westford Academy where he was 3rd in D1 North at 126. ... Freshman sensation Jackie Dehney of Pelham, N.H., comes in as one of the most decorated freshman in recent history (placing in both Fargo and Super 32). She will probably start at 120. ... Freshman Nick Spero is the younger brother of graduated Greg Spero. ... Another freshman, Sean Finneran, could ultimately start at 170 and freshman James Bohenko, who trains at Doughboy, will likely start at 113.

Assistant coaches: Dennis King, Rich Durkin, Matt Armano, Jake Durkin, Trevor Abdallah

Coach Jamie Durkin (4th year, 60-5): We look to be in a solid position to do some good things in both the league and the state level.

Haverhill

2018-19 season: 21-0

Returning starters (6): Jake Nicolosi, Sr., 145; Steven Wise, Sr., 152; Jaydahrius Levy, Sr., 285; Jackson DiFloures, Jr., 138; Israel Tricoche, Jr., 160; Ben Davoli, Soph., 113

Returning lettermen: Dryden Fisher, Sr., 145; Elijah Moncrief, Sr., 126; Joe Meehan, Sr., 195; Dan Toothaker, Jr., 220; JanCarlos Figueroa, Jr., 182

Promising newcomers: Edgar Feliciano Sr., 132; Jaheim Nieves, Sr., 160; Allahborn Canario, Sr., 182; Yacoub Abu Ghoush, Jr., 170; Joel Cordero, Jr., 152; Jordan Damske, Soph., 120; Carlos Picardi, Soph., 160; Gretchen Fieldhouse, Frosh., 160; Jacob Flaherty, Frosh., 152; Roger Trongeau, Frosh., 182; Colin McAninch, Frosh., 285; Jesse Rodriguez, Frosh., 120

Candidates: 45; Captains: Jake Nicolosi, Steven Wise

Fast facts: Haverhill graduated seven starters from last years powerhouse. ... Jake Nicolosi (50-7) led Haverhill in wins last year. ... Edgar Feliciano is a transfer from Whittier Tech. ... Thanks to some heavy recruiting within the school, this years freshman class is the biggest in years.

Assistant coaches: Nick Wormald, Tony Griffin, Bill Mears, Tom Pagliarulo

Coach Tim Lawlor (5th year, 72-26): We have 15 freshman this year, and 27 newcomers altogether. Theyre impressing early on and making for an exciting room. Weve lacked depth the last few years, so were looking to build a strong JV program and continue to grow the sport within the school.

Lawrence

2018-19 season: 22-10

Returning starters (8): Luis Mauricio, Sr., 106; Eric Sanchez, Sr., 182; John Vasquez, Sr., 182; Jaycob Zapata, Jr., 113; Angel Miranda, Soph., 160; Armani Maldonaldo, Soph., 132

Returning lettermen: Carlos Monge, Sr., 182; Freddy Collazo, Jr., 195; Eddy Santos, Jr., 220; Jr., Davidson Theosmy, Soph., 120; Fernando Alvardo, Soph., 113; Brandon Lavasta, Soph., 285; Remy Lefebvre, Soph., 113; Joel Baretto, Soph., 285; Azais David, Soph., 145;, Hezekiah Leonor, Soph., 170

Promising newcomers: Carlos Portela, Jr, 170; Alex Chhy, Jr, 126; Dudley Derival, Soph., 138; Jaden Pich-Nong, Soph., 120; Janir Guzman, Soph., 138; Elijah Cartagena, Frosh., 182; Josiris Gomez, Frosh., 220; Christian Ramirez, Frosh., 220; Domenic Vasquez, Frosh., 113

Candidates: 45; Captains: Luis Mauricio, John Vazquez

Fast facts: The turnout of 45 wrestlers is the smallest in at least 12 years. ... Luis Mauricio returns at 106 after qualifying for New Englands last year and should contend for a state title. ... Luis and Eric Sanchez will compete in the MVC all star meet against the Middlesex league this Thursday at Melrose High.

Assistant coaches: Ozzy Morales, Christian Guzman, Alex Vargas, Hector Reynoso, Ron Portante, Michael Mena

Coach Rob Niceforo (17th year, 285-133-2): We have one of the youngest teams I have coached in a while, but I like the attitudes and the efforts of the team so far.

Methuen

2018-19 season: 22-2

Returning starters (4): CJ Brown, Sr., 160/170; Anthony Romano, Jr., 182; Joe Gangi, Jr., 138; Michael Crowe, Jr., 113

Returning lettermen: Corey Ciccotelli, Sr., 132/138; Adam Rader, Jr., 126; Dom DeMaio, Jr.,145/152

Promising newcomers: Jay Ramos, Sr., 220; Gokay Goktug, Sr., 285; Corey Bard, Sr., 285; Ryan Melo, Jr., 160; Dan Guzman, Jr., 195; Xavier Cordero, Jr., 132; Zachary Tavares, Soph., 152; JeanCarlos Paula, Soph. 138; Bryan Jacinto, Soph., 195; Lex Flores, Soph., 126; Dillon Dao, Soph., 132; Corey Boiselle, Soph., 106; Enrique Binet, Soph., 132; Rhomel Valera, Frosh., 132; Jack Stoddard, Frosh., 106; Wiliam Simmons, Frosh., 138; Osias Rodriguez, Frosh., 182; Alex Peavey, Frosh., 132; Caleb Miguel, Frosh., 126; Jariel Julio, Frosh., 195; Braeden Delaney, Frosh., 138; Dan Warner, Frosh., 285

Candidates: 38; Captains: TBA

Assistant coaches: John Sughrue, Kevin Sughrue, Paul Sughrue

Fast facts: Methuen is an impressive 119-6-1 over the last five years. ... The team returns only four starters from last year after graduation and wrestlers choosing not to return. ... The 38 candidates is the lowest number in over 15 years. ... Anthony Romano is coming off an outstanding football season -- MVC First Team All-Conference and Junior Player of the Year. ... CJ Brown was fourth in the Division 1 state tournament last year at 160. ... Dom DeMaio had 19 varsity wins last year filling in at two different weight classes. ... Methuen will host Division 1 North Sectionals, Division 1 States and the New England Tournament this year.

Coach Bill James (19th year, 346-68-2): We are very young and inexperienced. Most of our lineup will feature wrestlers with only 1 or 2 years experience. The wrestlers we have are doing a good job, but we have a lot of work ahead of us to be able to compete with the teams on our schedule.

North Andover

2018-19 season: 19-12-1

Returning starters (9): Ethan Ford, Sr., 126/132; Sam Mountain, Sr, 145; Will Shimmoeller, Jr., 182; Cam Watson, Jr., 160; Jared Hiller, Jr, 152; Jack Carbone, Jr, 195; Tommy Cox, Jr, 170 Anthony McCann, Soph., 113/120; Carson Milovanovic, Soph.,120/126

Returning lettermen:Chad Rogers, Sr, 152; Kris Rhoton, Jr, 138; Kenlei Milovanovic, Jr, 120;

Promising newcomers: Jack Dalton, Soph 132/138; Kaleb Rhoton, Frosh, 152; Colby Carbone, Frosh., 182; Alex Sutera, Frosh. 132

Candidates: 26

Captains: Ethan Ford, Sam Mountain

Fast facts: Former Knights standout and assistant Larry Coughlin takes over as head coach for Carl Cincotta, who retired after a 152-59-3 record and one Division 2 state title in eight years. Another former Knight and assistant, Mike Wilson, returns as an assistant as does Adrian Polanco. ... Sophomore Jack Dalton returns after missing all of last year with an injury.

Assistants: Mike Wilson, Adrian Polanco

Coach Larry Coughlin (1st year): We are returning a great group of kids and have a large freshman class. Im impressed with the teams effort so far and Im excited to see what we can do.

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MVC Wrestling Preview: Central looks loaded; Hillies try to defend title - Eagle-Tribune

All-stars were plentiful this fall as local standouts made their mark in multiple sports.

Heres a recap:

After a season of resurgence, South Portland placed four players, quarterback/defensive back Anthony Poole, running back/defensive back Keenan Jones, offensive lineman/linebacker Caleb Viola and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Nate Ellington, on the Southwestern Maine Activities Association Class B South football all-star team.

The SMAA Class A all-star offense first-team featured utilityman Jarett Flaker and lineman Max Piispanen.

Scarborough lineman Nathan Mars made the second-team.

The SMAA Class A first-team defense included Scarboroughs Mars (tackle), Zach Alofs (back), Chase Cleary (punter) and Thomas Galekas (linebacker).

The second-team featured Scarboroughs Piispanen (end).

Scarboroughs Mars was also named SMAA Class A Gerry Raymond Lineman of the Year.

In the Western Maine Conference, the Class C all-star team included Cape Elizabeths Matt Laughlin, Finn McQueeney and Gannon Stewart.

Class C all-star honorable mentions included running back/safety Colin Campbell, running back/safety Nick Laughlin and wide receiver/defensive back Ryan McKean.

Cape Elizabeths boys soccer team placed Nick Clifford on the WMC Class B first-team.

Cape Elizabeths Charlie Dall made the second-team.

Cape Elizabeths Jack Dresser, Ben Payson and Jack Sands qualified for the WMC All-Academic team.

In the SMAA, South Portland midfielder Damir Krkic made the first-team.

Scarborough forward Zander Haskell, midfielder Zach Chaisson and back Noah Flagg were named to the second-team.

Scarborough goalkeeper Alex Bachmann and South Portland forward Anthony Perron and back Dillon Ray Bolduc were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Benjamin Hatch, Evan Krouskup, Nolan Matthews, Thomas Stratis and Griffin Wedge and South Portlands Homer LaBranche and Anthony Perron qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

South Portlands Brkic was also named to the Class A South regional all-star team.

On the girls side, Karli Chapin, Maggie Cochran and Emily Supple of repeat Class B state champion Cape Elizabeth were named to the WMC Class B all-star team.

The WMC All-Academic team included Cape Elizabeths Margaret Brewer, Karli Chapin, Olivia Cochran, Amelia Erickson, Sydney McFarland and Amanda Mikulka.

In the SMAA, Scarborough midfielder Ashley Sabatino and back Emily Johnson made the first-team.

Scarborough forward Ali Mokriski, back Madison Marinko and goalkeeper Nikki Young were named to the second-team.

Scarborough forward Sarah Callahan and midfielder Madison Blanche and South Portland forward Brooklynn Ortiz were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Mokriski was also named SMAA Rookie of the Year.

Scarboroughs Blanche and Isabelle Chase made the SMAA Senior All-Citizenship Team.

Scarboroughs Madison Blanche, Samantha Brodeur, Sarah Callahan, Katrina Fowler, Emily Johnson, Madison Marinko, Josephine Patton, Rachel Peterson, Ashley Sabatino and Nikki Young and South Portlands Isabelle Chase and Anna Folley qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

Cape Elizabeths Chapin and Scarboroughs Callahan, Johnson, Sabatino and Young played for the South in the Class A/B girls Senior All-Star Game.

Scarboroughs Callahan, Johnson, Sabatino and Young were also named to the Class A South regional all-star team, while Cape Elizabeths Chapin and Maggie Cochran made the Class B South regional all-star team.

The SMAA field hockey first-team included Scarboroughs Hannah Dobecki and Carrie Timpson and South Portlands Lydia Grant.

Scarboroughs Julia Booth-Howe and South Portlands Lauren DiBiase were honorable mentions.

South Portlands Grant was given the Faith Littlefield Player of the Year award.

Scarboroughs Kayleigh York and South Portlands Bonnie Johnston were their teams respective Rookies of the Year.

Scarboroughs Ainslie Allen, Julia Booth-Howe, Jillian Cote, Hannah Dobecki, Natalie McGuire, Abigail Roy and Carrie Timpson and South Portlands Bryanna Alley, Madelyn Drolet, Sarah Folan and Emily Rich qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

In the Western Maine Conference, Cape Elizabeths Isabel Berman was a first-team selection.

The Class B second-team included Cape Elizabeths Emily Goulding and Camden Woods.

Cape Elizabeths Berman, Scarboroughs Dobecki and South Portlands Grant were also named to the All-State team.

Scarboroughs Jillian Cote qualified for the All-State, All-Academic team.

Last, but certainly not least, South Portlands Grant was named one of three finalists for the prestigious Miss Maine Field Hockey award.

Scarborough outside hitters Shaelyn Thornton and Maya Brooks, setter Mayne Gwyer and middle hitter Maddie Strouse and South Portland libero Pearl Friedland-Farley and setter Ashlee Aceto were named to the SMAA volleyball first-team.

Scarborough libero Brenna Humpage and South Portland middle hitter Kaleisha Towle made the second-team.

Scarborough middle hitter Gwen Dorsey and South Portland outside hitter Maria Degifico were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Maya Brooks, Bella Dickinson, Anna Gardner, Brooke Leeman, Katherine Mueller and Meredith Winslow and South Portlands Kaleisha Towle qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

Scarboroughs Kim Stoddard was named SMAA Coach of the Year.

Scarboroughs Strouse and Thornton and South Portlands Friedland-Farley were named to the Class A all-state, first-team.

Scarboroughs Brooks and Gwyer and South Portlands Aceto made the Class A all-state, second-team.

Scarboroughs Dorsey and South Portlands Degifico were Class A all-state, honorable mentions.

Cape Elizabeths Corina Page and Julia Torre made the Class B all-state, first-team.

Cape Elizabeths Abi Bisceglie made the Class B all-state, second-team.

Cape Elizabeths Sarah Boeckel was named Class B Coach of the Year.

Class B individual state champion Lila Gaudrault of Cape Elizabeth headlined the WMC girls cross country all-star first-team.

Cape Elizabeths Lydia Branson and Marcella Hesser made the second-team.

Class B champion Jack Bassett of Cape Elizabeth made the WMC boys cross country all-star first-team, along with teammate Ricky Perruzzi.

Cape Elizabeths Owen Patry made the second-team.

Cape Elizabeths Jack Bassett, Chloe Butzel, Meredith Hetrick, Genevieve Depke, Molly OSullivan and Helen Vaughan qualified for the WMC All-Academic team.

The SMAA boys all-star first-team included Scarboroughs Zach Barry and Tristram Coffin.

Scarboroughs Erik LoSacco and South Portlands Nick Borelli made the second-team.

Scarboroughs Connor Coffin and South Portlands Liam Piper were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Justin Castaldo and Nathan Day and South Portlands Thomas DiPhillippo and Oscar Sullivan qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

The SMAA girls all-star first-team featured Scarboroughs Megan Randall and Kayla Randall.

Scarboroughs Kristen Werner and South Portlands Isabella Carrier were honorable mentions.

Scarboroughs Isabella Cook, Ryanne Cox and Vanessa DiRisi and South Portlands Grace Caselden and Molly Woodhouse qualified for the SMAA All-Academic team.

Cape Elizabeths Gaudrault and Scarboroughs Kayla Werner also qualified for the Maine Track and Cross Country Coaches Association girls All-State first-team.

Cape Elizabeths Charlotte DeGeorge made the second-team.

Cape Elizabeths Bassett and Scarboroughs Tristram Coffin made the boys All-State first-team.

Scarboroughs Barry was a second-teamer.

The SMAA Northern Division golf first-team included Scarboroughs Peter Malia and South Portlands Lucas Flaherty.

South Portlands Alex Leupold was a second-team selection.

In the WMC, Class B all-stars included Cape Elizabeths Aiden Lee and Shep Smith.

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It was an all-star autumn in Forecaster Country- Southern edition - Press Herald

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and all 30 teams in Major League Baseball have something to cherish. Here is what every National League team should be thankful for.

One could argue that the Braves have the best all-around outfielder under 25 in baseball in Acuna. He has exuberant power, is an intimidating presence in the batters box, and flat-out rakes pitches all around the zone. In his first two years in the big leagues, Acuna has launched 67 home runs. Meanwhile, hes an exceptional defensive center fielder and one of the best baserunners in the sport.

The World Series-champion Nationals have a killer outfield duo in Juan Soto (21) and Victor Robles (22). Soto is a force to be reckoned with at the plate, best exemplified by his postseason heroics (.333 World Series batting average and .927 postseason OPS), and Robles is a speeding bullet who is an elite fielder and has underrated power.

The Mets have a franchise player in Alonso. The power-hitting first baseman blasted an MLB rookie record 53 home runs last season, won the NL Rookie of the Year Award, and appeared in the MLB All-Star Game. Concurrently, hes adept at stretching out for bad throws and keeping groundballs in front of him.

Last season was a bit of a step back for Nola, but he still has elite offerings. The right-hander has control of a high-90s fastball and throws a nasty curveball. He pitches deep into games, totals strikeouts at a high rate, and is one of the most dominant pitchers in the sport when he has his command.

The Marlins have quietly been grooming some compelling young starting pitchers. Sandy Alcantara (24) has a consistent multi-pitch arsenal, gradually improved throughout last season, and finished with a 3.88 ERA; Caleb Smith (28) had an encouraging first half; Jordan Yamamoto (23) and Pablo Lopez (23) have shown potential.

The Cardinals have their ace in the 24-year-old Flaherty. He has command of his offerings, held opponents to a .192 batting average in 2019, and recorded an astonishing 0.93 ERA across his last 16 regular season starts. In the Cardinals NL Division Series matchup with the Braves, Flaherty surrendered just four runs across 13 innings in Games 2 and 5.

Yelich is a complete player and well-versed hitter who won the 2018 NL Most Valuable Player Award and finished second in the MVP voting in 2019. Not too shabby.

Injuries hindered his performance a bit in 2019, but Baez remains one of the preeminent middle infielders in the sport. Hes adept at playing second base and shortstop, turning double plays at each position, and operates quickly. Couple those skill sets with his high-octane bat and Baez is arguably the Cubs most irreplaceable player.

The Reds are on the rise, and their starting pitching is an integral reason for that development. Luis Castillo is coming off a monster season, headlined by a 3.40 ERA and fooling hitters with his off-speed pitches; Sonny Grayrecorded a 2.87 ERA; while he struggled in his two months with the organization, Trevor Bauer is a proven commodity.

The Pirates have one of the best infields in baseball, and the average ages of their starting infielders is 26.8. Josh Bell is a towering left-handed hitter who was in the NL MVP conversation last year; Kevin Newman hit .308 in his first full big-league season; Colin Moran totaled 80 RBIs last season; Adam Frazier is a steady presence at second base.

Buehler may very well be the Dodgers best pitcher just two years into his MLB career. He has an overpowering fastball and gets great movement on his off-speed pitches. Buehler totaled 215 strikeouts in 2019 and, for the most part, has been lethal on the rubber in the postseason.

The D-Backs have one of the best players in the sport in Marte. He has played both center field and second base on a consistent basis, been a pain to get out, and had a case for being the 2019 NL MVP. In said year, Marte hit .329, posted a .981 OPS, and totaled 32 home runs and 92 RBIs.

A great deal of uncertainty clouds the Giants future, but they have a diamond in the rough in Mike Yastrzemski. The late bloomer came on the scene and dazzled the Bay Area in 2019, blasting 21 home runs and posting an .852 OPS across 107 games. Yastrzemski gives the Giants a power bat in the middle of their order to build around moving forward.

Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story remain one of the elite infield duos in baseball. Theyre vacuums and human highlight reels at their respective positions and power machines at the plate. Arenado and Story combined for 76 home runs and 203 RBIs in 2019.

The Padres infield is filthy. Manny Machado is slick at the hot corner and a potent force at the plate; Fernando Tatis may be the best shortstop in baseball in a couple years; Eric Hosmer is a source of power and has considerable defensive range; Luis Urias will improve with reps.

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MLB Thanksgiving: What Every National League Team Should be Thankful For - Baseball Essential