With a strong core returning, Catasauqua’s entry in the Lehigh Valley Connie Mack league should make some noise this summer.

Ten players return from last year’s squad that produced an overall 16-9 recorded and posted a seventh-place finish at the state tournament. They are Sebastian Arias, Brandon Jenny, Adam Reinhart, Ty Reitz, Cole Schiffer, Mason Schlofer, Jason Schneck, Andrew Torres, and Derek Troxell, most of whom gained valuable playing time and experience on the high school roster this past spring. Jacob Drummer was rostered last year, but he blew out his ACL before the season.

Through their first three games this season, the Roughies have posted a 2-1 record, their lone defeat a 7-1 loss to South Parkland.

In an 11-1 rout of Southern Lehigh, Drummer allowed five hits, one run, and struck out five in five innings. Reinhart, Reitz, and Schiffer had two hits apiece, as the Roughies blew open the game with a five-run second.

They followed that with a 9-2 won over Jim Thorpe in which Torres didn’t allow any hits and struck out four in six innings. Schneck had two hits, and the Roughies took over with a five-run fourth.

“I have a solid and experienced core of players,” said head coach Jim Kober about his squad. “They know what it takes to win in this league, and I’m really excited to see how it all plays out.

Kober expects to have a deep pitching staff this summer, headed by Drummer and Torres, both of whom blossomed on the varsity team. Along with the duo, Reitz, Schneck, and Jenny will round out the staff.

“Both Drummer and Torres got some good experience with the varsity this year,” said Kober. “Both have real good stuff and I have confidence that they can get the job done when called upon.

“Brandon Jenny is going to be a freshman next year. He’s a tall, left-hander who has much upside and the potential to be a good pitcher. Schneck and Reitz will be there to eat up innings this year. Both are dependable when called upon.”

Schiffer will be behind the plate and is expected to improve.

“He (Schiffer) made great strides last year,” added Kober. “We see him getting better and better behind the plate.”

Rounding out the infield for the Roughies will be Schlofer at first, Torres or Drummer at second, Schneck at shortstop, and Reinhart at third. Newcomers Christian Fye, Dominick Gorr, and Jayden Hoch also will be in the mix.

“Every player on this team can fill in anywhere defensively and perform,” said Kober.

“We have the talent and the depth to have a good season.”