If the Mason High School baseball team is to enjoy a successful season, it most likely will be because of the team's pitching.

The Mustangs, who open regular season play at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Loudoun County High, return their entire pitching staff from last year's team.

In 2009, the squad finished third in the Bull Run District and lost in the district semifinals to wrap up the year at 12-8.

"I expect to be competitive in every game this season," Mason manager Adam Amerine told the News-Press. "I expect us to contend for a district title and hopefully earn a regional birth."

Anchoring the pitching staff will be seniors Brian Lubnow and Tyler Roth. Left handers Quinn Casteel and Max Kaplow will also be leaned on, and Stephen Lubnow will be used in a relief role.

Amerine saw early season injuries as a challenge to his squad, which lost only two players from last year's team. Casteel and Michael Wolfe "have yet to get their season started." Also, the Mustangs will be inexperienced in the middle infield.

"There could be some inconsistencies there," Amerine said.

Amerine hoped to returning all-district players Brian Lubnow and Roth to lead the team because of their varsity experience, and more will be expect from Stephen Lubnow and Kaplow now that they're sophomores. Kaplow moves from the outfield to first base, and Stephen Lubnow goes from shortstop to catcher, both positions more natural fits.

Junior Paul Weber, who is playing his first season of varsity ball for Mason after sitting out last year due to transfer rules, will patrol centerfield and is expected to pace the offense at the top of the order.