Bratcher breaks Mules’ record on the mound.

A player is only as good as the team around them, and for junior baseball player Dylan Bratcher, it was the inspiration he needed for a record-breaking season.

Bratcher is a pitcher for the Poplar Bluff varsity baseball team, and with some solid throws from the mound, the Mules finished the regular season 12-16.

Although the Mules didn’t get far into the postseason, Bratcher saw growth from the team throughout the year and believes the foundation has been established for upcoming Mules.

“I believe that we as teammates grew a lot after a long fought season,” Bratcher said. “We just worked every day to improve, and I think overall, as a team, we did get better. I know it didn't come out the way we wanted, but I think we’re good moving forward, and we'll keep working for years to come.”

For his junior season, Bratcher faced off against 304 batters while taking a 6-4 record on the mound and landed with 56 strikeouts. Behind the plate, he connected with 15 singles and recorded 17 RBIs.

While throwing heat from the mound, Brachter unexpectedly broke some pitching records that truly showcase his longevity.

Bratcher broke the record for the most innings pitched in a season with 61, the most games started as a pitcher with 14 and the most games pitched in a season with 16, which Tanner Tibbs held with 12 in 2017.

“It's really not all on me, it’s honestly the guys behind me and the guys at the catcher's position,” he said. “A lot of success came from just my teammates, egging me on and pushing me harder in practice and games. Ultimately, I had a good season, but at the end of the day, we didn't win a district championship. In my mind, there's still stuff to focus on and more desire to work hard for the next upcoming year.”

Bratcher has high hopes for this Mules squad next season as he wants to bring home a district championship and make a strong run at state. He plans to work extremely hard in the offseason and would like the team to grow closer together early instead of trying to build chemistry during the season.

For his junior season, Bratcher faced off against 304 batters while taking a 6-4 record on the mound and landed with 56 strikeouts. Behind the plate, he connected with 15 singles and recorded 17 RBIs. Bratcher also broke the record for the most innings pitched in a season with 61, the most games started as a pitcher with 14 and the most games pitched in a season with 16, which Tanner Tibbs held with 12 in 2017. DAR/D�Courtland Christian

Stepping into the season, Bratcher said the team knew it would be an adjustment with a new leadership but was prepared for the gameplan that head coach John David Pattillo came in with.

“Adjusting to a new coach with different priorities and standards, we knew it was going to be tough getting into a rhythm,” Bratcher said. “We all didn't know what to expect, but at the end of the day, we all agreed that it was a good coaching view from him, and he knew what he was doing.

He really got us going early in the year and was just getting to know us, so that’s pretty good in my opinion. All in all, I think that Coach Pattillo had a very successful first year and I think that all the teammates could probably agree.”

Bratcher plans to use the offseason as an opportunity to work out every day and get better as a pitcher. Learning more about the mechanics and pitch scripts is also on his radar as he works towards becoming elite on the mound.

“I still have some areas I would like to sharpen as a pitcher, but finding my spots to hit at the plate is also important. I want to become more clutch for us and just get more confident for my final season as a Mule,” Bratcher said.