Story by Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

It’s easy to see how Richmond Hill’s Landon Walker feels about the game of baseball, and how those feelings have continued this season. 

“I’ve been playing baseball my entire life since I can remember,” recalled Walker. “I see my season going great. It's been a good start to the season and I hope to continue having a good season.”

Walker, a right-hander entered his week with an overall 2-2 record with a 3.10 ERA over 18 innings, and he has recorded 18 strikeouts. Initially dealing with an injury, Walker missed the first two weeks of the season, but he quickly bounced back. 

Last season, the senior made his mark with 2.54 ERA over 54 innings, and he was an all-region choice. Head coach Hill Thomas anticipates another banner season ahead for Walker, especially after he had a strong outing last Friday when he allowed two runs and two hits over seven innings with six strikeouts and four walks in a 3-2 victory.

Landon is a competitor that manages the strike zone really well,” said Thomas.  “He’s a returning starter for us. His injury at the beginning of the season set him back, but we believe he’s back full go.

“The start we got from him Friday is what we expect to see from him. Nothing overpowering but doing a good job of managing the game and mixing pitches.”

Walker hasn’t experienced any setbacks from his early injury, and believes he is on a good track. 

“I have been throwing well and I'm not really on a pitch count,” said Walker. “The max you can throw is 110 and I threw 107 in my last start.  I have been comfortable with my high school career for basically my whole career.”

He credits his father for his steady guidance and support. 

“My dad has had the biggest impact on me,” said Walker. “Since I was little, he has been the hardest on me in ways that I can’t even explain. He was my coach when I was younger and probably one of the most strict, but best coaches I have ever had.”

The Wildcats (8-9, 3-3 region) recently rebounded with a three-game winning streak after they mired in a seven-game slide.

Walker is confident the team has resolved their early struggles, and that they are headed in a positive direction down the stretch.  

“I see the team in a good spot right now,” said Walker. “We had a rocky start to our region play, but we have picked it up since then. We are growing as a team, molding together and trying to make a big run this year.”