Gaffney pitcher Tyler Wilson, shown discussing strategy with catcher Josh Mata, and his teammates will be tested this week with a game today against powerful Boiling Springs and Tuesday in the region opener against York. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD While a win would be nice, Gaffney High baseball coach Jeff Osment is looking for continued improvement this week from his youthful roster.

Gaffney hosts perennial power Boiling Springs today at 6 p.m., in a game washed out by rain on Friday. On Tuesday, the Indians open the region against visiting York.

The Indians enter the week at 0-1 after dropping their season opener 5-4 to Dorman this past Tuesday.

“I’m just looking for someone to step up and take over a leadership role and step up in the clutch,” Osment said. “We want to get off on the right foot this week and get gradually better with each game.”

Nick Smiley will get the start today against the Bulldogs. Smiley has been a pleasant surprise, according to Osment.

“Nick has thrown the ball well,” Osment said.

As with most young teams, inconsistency seems to be the rule, not the exception.

“Some days we pitch well and don’t hit,” the coach said. “We just need to put all three phases together and I think that will happen.”

The biggest surprise of the early going has been the power surge by former jayvee player Mike Wood, who has hit two homers. Wood also has turned in a couple of dazzling defensive plays in center field.

“Mike has really made some great plays defensively.”

Grayson Goforth, who has made the move from second base to shortstop, has been another bright spot. Goforth has shown the ability to be clutch, delivering several 2-out hits.

Joey Copeland also has swung the bat well early in the season, according to Osment.

The coach said he’ll show more patience this year guiding a young but talented team in contrast to last year’s senior-ladened state champions.

“We’re going to stress the positives,” he said. “We’ll are going to make some mistakes. The key is to limit those and get better each game.”