Top Stories

Eagle '9' seek to defend their TVC Red

Division title

  With a roster of promising players, the Frankenmuth varsity baseball team looks to continue its success on the diamond this 2026 season.

  Led by second-year Coach, Dan Titmuss, the Eagle 9’ began practice back on March 9, and though the weather and last week’s spring break did not help, the team is ready to start play, with a Tri-Valley Conference doubleheader at home yesterday (Tuesday, April 7).

  Titmuss returns with key seniors in Caden Sommerfield and Luke Purves, along with several sophomores, now juniors, who saw a lot of field and at-bat time in 2025. Sommerfield and Purves are both three-year varsity performers. They will help the infield defense when not batting.

  "Caden, who committed to play at Saginaw Valley State University next year, will lead us on the mound and at shortstop. Luke will bring a great bat and defensive presence at third and first base and will also provide significant innings on the mound,” Titmuss stated.

  Returning juniors Tristan Huizar, Brady Frahm, and Brady Mort were all in play last spring for the Eagles.

  “I expect them to play even bigger roles this year. I expect Brady Frahm to take a leap on the mound this year as a strong, left-handed pitcher and great defensive first baseman. Brady Mort will be one of our key outfielders and he will bring the excellent ability to get on base and create some offense. Tristan brings a great bat with huge potential. He will be strong behind the plate and in a relief role on the mound,” Titmuss said.

  The injury bug robbed one player from the roster last season, and he will return for his junior year. However, Titmuss also lost another junior to a wrestling injury this winter and he will be lost for this season.

  “Junior Joe Sella will be a great addition back on the mound and in outfield this year, after missing last year with his injury. Our one big loss to the team will be EJ Bernthal, who will miss the entire season. EJ was a big part of our championship team last year and will be missed,” Titmuss noted.

  Luke Holbrook, Luke Felten, Brayden Karwat, and Christien Karwat all saw time at the varsity and junior varsity levels in 2025.

  “They will be asked to play some different roles this year. Luke Holbrook is an extremely solid infielder and we expect him to play a vital role in the middle. Luke Felten will be looked at to catch and play first base, as he brings some great experience, knowledge, and leadership to the team,” Titmuss said. Brayden Karwat and Christien Karwat are both great bunters with speed, and can be counted on in the infield and outfield, defensively.”

  Sophomore Blake Merchant has huge upside, the head coach noted.

 "Blake has extremely fast hands with the bat, great speed on the bases, and a strong arm at virtually any position on the field. He will catch and play some outfield.

  The coaching staff also has five sophomores who will grab the leather and get in the batter’s box this spring. They are Matthew Kern, Braylin Nord, Bradley Polley, Breven Ross, and Dierk Wascher.

  "All five are extremely smart players with great work ethics. They will help lead the JV team and will compete for time and starting spots on the varsity roster,” Titmuss commented.

  Ross was brought up to the varsity level to pitch as a freshman.

   "Breven has great potential on the mound. He will be in the starting rotation, and I expect bigger things from him with the bat and in the field, as both are much improved over last year,” the coach noted. .....

  .......To read this complete story and other featured articles in this week's Frankenmuth News, click on the "Subscribe" tab at the left or call (989-652-3246) to begin receiving your weekly copy of the Frankenmuth News.