(Watch the 2013 Baseball Season Preview)

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps baseball team gets its 2013 campaign started on Friday, Feb. 1 at home vs. Azusa Pacific University. After a 14-26 season in 2012, the Stags are looking to get back on track and secure their third winning season over the last four years.

The Stags have several key returners back this year including junior IF Brett Watanabe (.269, 3 HR, 29 RBI), senior OF William Knowles (.245, 19 RBI) and junior IF Scott Witte (.333, 3 HR, 18 RBI). Witte was a first team All-SCIAC selection in 2012 for the Stags while Watanabe led the team in RBI. Each player started all 40 games in 2012 and will be expected to lead an improved offensive attack that hit .266 as a team last year.

On the mound, junior P Andor Kesselman (3-5, 6.49 ERA, 15 Ks) is expected to play an important role on the pitching staff after making 16 appearances for the Stags in 2012. Senior P/IF Austin Gomez and sophomore P/IF John Rizzo are also among the returners who should see time in the rotation.

In addition to 16 returners, the Stags have 10 new players on the team who are fighting for playing time. Highlighting the 2013 schedule are home games vs. Azusa Pacific (Feb. 1), Whitman (Feb. 6), Pomona-Pitzer (Feb. 16), Bridgewater (March 12), Pacific (March 23 and 24) and a full slate of SCIAC games. For the full season preview with Coach Town including a breakdown of the schedule and some new faces to look out for, watch the video above or click on the link below.

Watch the 2013 Baseball Season Preview
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