Wheatland Baseball Faces Uncertainty After Losing Key Players

Mules look to new leaders to guide team through rebuilding year

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:07am

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Wheatland baseball is facing a rebuilding year after graduating eight players and seven starters from last season's 33-7 final four team. The Mules will have early season questions in all phases of the game as they look to new leaders like Nathan Sawyer, Brett Dougherty, and Daniel Jones to step up on the mound, at the plate, and in the field.

Why it matters

Wheatland has made the final four in consecutive seasons, so this year's team will be tested as they try to maintain that level of success despite significant roster turnover. The Mules will need to find new contributors to replace the production of their departed stars.

The details

Wheatland head coach Pat Dougherty says the team will be "mixing and matching quite a bit early on" as they try to determine the right lineup and defensive alignment. Sawyer, Dougherty, and Jones will anchor the pitching rotation and provide veteran leadership, but the Mules will need younger players like Lukas Gautieri, Easton Pearson, and Hunter Smith to step up and have breakout seasons.

  • Wheatland opens the season on March 20 at home against Buffalo.

The players

Nathan Sawyer

Threw 36 innings with 37 strikeouts and a 2.53 ERA last season, will be a key part of the pitching rotation and play shortstop.

Brett Dougherty

Earned honorable mention all-state honors after hitting .372 with a .923 OPS last season, will be the team's starting catcher.

Daniel Jones

Will hold down a corner infield spot for the Mules.

Lukas Gautieri

Junior who could step into a leadership role pitching and playing on the infield.

Easton Pearson

Freshman who is an option to catch when Brett Dougherty pitches.

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What they’re saying

“Offensively, we know what to expect from just a few guys. Everyone else will have to prove themselves.”

— Pat Dougherty, Wheatland head coach

“All three have played a lot for us and will be asked to do a lot this year. They will fill key roles hitting and on defense but will likely have to keep everyone on the same page this year also.”

— Pat Dougherty, Wheatland head coach

“Hunter Smith, played very well in centerfield in the fall. He made a few great plays out there. We look for him to have a breakout year for us.”

— Pat Dougherty, Wheatland head coach

The takeaway

Wheatland will need to rely on its experienced pitching and a few returning offensive contributors to guide the team through a rebuilding year, as the Mules look for new players to step up and fill the void left by their departed stars.