Sunnyslope is the defending Division II champ, but the baseball program doesn’t need any reminders.

Sunnyslope is aware of the target on its back every time it sees an opponent raise its level of play this season. Knocking off the reigning champ carries a bit more weight in the win column.

But that hasn’t kept Sunnyslope from grinded its way to another 20-victory season. This season, however, Sunnyslope has looked a bit more vulnerable compared to last year.

Its ace, Calvin LeBrun, went undefeated last year, but the junior was roughed up a couple of times this year. Defensively, Sunnyslope hasn’t looked as sharp in some areas as last year.

But with the postseason looming, Sunnyslope remains upbeat about its chances of making another state title run.

“Last year, defensively, we played lights out,” Sunnyslope coach Jeff Shillington said. “I think we do have the ability to do that again. We do need some breaks and good luck just like last year. But I do believe we have the ability and the talent and the mental makeup.”

Sunnyslope (21-4-1 overall) lost its two power ranking games this season by a combined three runs.

One of those losses came to the team that’s emerged as the D-II front-runner this year, Greenway. The other loss (5-4 to Arcadia) didn’t sit well with Shillington because that game ended after a “controversial” call.

But that’s been the “low point” of Sunnyslope’s season so far. Despite a couple of bad showings by LeBrun this year, Shillington also isn’t worried about his ace.

LeBrun has shown his mettle in the past three seasons on the mound. The three-year starter just needs to make some adjustments, because opponents now are familiar with LeBrun’s repertoire, Schillington said. 

But Sunnyslope also relies on another fabulous pitcher, Cody Bergkamp, to collect victories. The senior hurler has rebounded well from last year’s early exit in the state championship game.

Bergkamp leads the team with a .57 ERA and is second on the team with 55 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings. Offensively, Sunnylope is bit more experienced this year, with six seniors in the starting lineup.

What the team lacks in power it makes up for it with its scrappiness. Seniors Casey Bowman (.449 average) and Max Fabricant (.423 average) are the team’s leading hitters, and another senior, Royal Love, leads the team in RBI’s and home runs.