It all starts with Luke Rohrig.

 

The junior has been elite in two cornerstone spots for Bridgeport: Leadoff hitter and center field.

 

Both will be key as the Tribe prepare for their Class AAA state quarterfinal with East Fairmont on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Marshall University’s Jack Cook Field.

 

His philosophy for being the top name on the lineup card?

 

“Making sure to get one pitch and make it a longer at-bat. I want to let the guys behind me see more pitches,” Rohrig said. “The first at-bat, you’ve got to be not as aggressive as your other at-bats. You can get more aggressive when runners are on base, too.”

 

The speedster is primed to take advantage of the turf surface this week.

 

“I’d say I feel faster on turf,” Rohrig said. “Not running through the grass in the outfield and running base to base on turf is better, in my opinion.”

 

Defensively: “It’s definitely a bigger outfield, but you have to remember not to back up any further. These teams aren’t going to hit it over your head,” Rohrig said.  “You have to take better angles on the ball in the gap. A few teams haven’t played there, like East Fairmont. They’re going to have to take a few innings to get used to it.”

 

Rohrig’s role is different this year as injuries kept him from playing the field, forcing him to be a designated hitter.

 

“I sat in the dugout and helped them get loud,” Rohrig said. “Our dugout is doing really well with that this year. Playing more in the field this year, it’s allowed me to get into the game more than last year.”

 

Win or lose, this will be the last week for Rohrig with Bridgeport’s four seniors, Guy Avolio, Kasen Baun, Blake Butcher and Owen Sondericker, who will all play college baseball.

 

“Those guys all work hard every day. They come here ready to practice. They’re leaders. We’re blessed to have them,” Rohrig said. “It helps the younger guys stay focused. Whenever we move up, we know we need to lead like they did. It’s just a good experience to have them.”

 

For Bridgeport to win a state title, what needs to go well?

 

“We need to jump on teams in the early innings, break down them down. Our pitching is a huge strength. They need to stay locked in,” Rohrig said.