Judging from what he has seen during preseason workouts, Trey Livingstone expects Upper Perkiomen's baseball team to participate in the post season.  He

expressed confidence said the team's offseason weight lifting program and hitting practice will pay off this season.

          Livingstone, a senior, believes the winter cage work will allow the Indians to contend for a spot in the Pioneer Athletic Conference and district playoffs.

          "Judging by what we've done since January, my expectations are pretty high," he said.

          Head coach Frank Mercon expressed similar post-season expectations regarding the District One playoffs. "If we do not make districts, I will be disappointed," the coach said.

          In their initial scrimmage of the season Saturday against Schuylkill Valley, only three Indians swung the bat well, according to Mercon. He said the circumstances – windy with temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, as well team's first time outside and against live pitching – were far from ideal.

          Livingstone described Justin Wornham, a sophomore, as Upper Perkiomen's most improved player.  "Justin is really coming along as a hitter," Livingstone said.

          On Monday, in a scrimmage against Souderton, Upper Perkiomen did a much better job putting the ball in play against very good pitching, according to Mercon. "I'm very pleased," he wrote in a text.

          Wornham, who can play third base or shortstop, will likely be joined in the lineup by seniors Eric Schneider (OF) and Charlie Haag (SS-3B), juniors Lance Templeton (C) and Macauley Swenk (OF) along with sophomore David Kilroy (1B). 

          According to the coach, sophomore Bobby Lynch will likely start the season on the JV team, but is expected to make a contribution the varsity.  "We've got a very talented group of talented ninth and 10th graders in this program," Mercon said.

          The coach described Kilroy – who doubled twice in two at-bats – as the best hitter on the field in Saturday's scrimmage. 

          "David is going to be a middle of the order guy in the very near future," the coach said.

          In the initial scrimmage, the Indians used several pitchers who could end up working out of the bullpen, according to Mercon. He said the team's potential starters – including Livingstone, Robert Guzman and Hunter Gooch – pitched Monday against Souderton with the intent of lining them up for season opening games on the road against Berks Catholic (March 23) and at home against Pennridge (March 26).

          The coach described Livingstone as a legitimate ace who could emerge as one of the best pitchers in the Pioneer Athletic Conference.

          "Trey threw the ball incredibly well in the fall," Mercon said. "If he pitches the way he has the last two years, I will not be concerned about him."

          "Considering how early in the season it is, I think I am throwing pretty decent," Livingstone said Sunday night. "Hopefully, I will continue to get more comfortable with my pitches."

          Mercon also expressed hope that Haag emerge as a closer for the Indians.

          Against Souderton, Livingstone permitted just two hits and one walk in three innings. In a text message Monday night, the senior said his command was good and his velocity is starting to improve.

          "I was pretty close to max effort," Livingstone wrote in a text. "But I'm still getting used to being on a mound."