6 Dukes take home All-Region honors

This past Friday the Region 19 Baseball committee released the results for the 2021 Division III All-Region team honors. RCSJ-Cumberland had 6 student-athletes be recognized for their 2021 season. Infielder Gavin Gates and Catcher/Utility Matt Shepherd received enough votes to be placed on the All-Region First Team. As a true freshman, Gates hit for a batting average of .362 and hit 7 home runs. He also led the team in RBI's (36), and at-bats (94); while having the second most doubles on the team (10), and hits (34). Gates held down both hot corners for Cumberland as he split the season at both first and third base defensively. 

Matt Shepherd was named the DH on the First-Team after hitting a team-high batting average of .484, in addition to leading the team in slugging percentage with .781. The Cumberland starting catcher collected 31 hits, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, and swiped 7 bags. Shepherd's offensive numbers speak for themselves, but he is also known for being one of the best defensive catchers in Region 19.

Second-Team All-Region honors belonged to two more Dukes in Kevin Merrone and Christian Lutz. Infielder Kevin Merrone posted a .423 batting average while bringing in 26 RBI's and 4 home runs. He led the team in walks, and had second-most on the team in home runs, RBI's, and runs scored (33). Christian Lutz was the most consistent outfielder in 2021 for Cumberland. The 2021 graduate hit .442 on the year and led the team in hits (38), doubles (11), and runs scored (34). He also stole 8 bases.

The Cumberland ace on the mound this year; Andrew Simone was acknowledged by Region 19 as an honorable mention player. Simone led Cumberland in innings pitched (53.2) and had an overall ERA of 3.19. He struck out 66 batters while only committing 22 walks, this would earn him a 4-1 record over an 11 appearance stretch. Lastly, outfielder Carelle Gonzalez was also named honorable mention. Gonzalez hit for a .390 batting average and was tied for a team-high 7 home runs. Some other impressive numbers that Gonzalez posted were RBI's (22), stolen bases (8), and slugging percentage (.727).

2021 Division III All-Region Team: http://www.region19.org/article/2613.php