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| Baldwin Wallace is making it a habit with its second straight appearance in the D-III World Series. If they make it three, they will have a short bus ride to East Lake, Ohio. d3photography photo by Steve Frommell |
By Jim Dixon,
D3sports.com
It surprises nobody that the top of the Ohio Athletic Conference dominates the top of Region 7. Baldwin Wallace is expected to hit but it is their pitching that will take the team as far as they can go. Marietta is also loaded so let the games begin and lets see who can dominate. The Mideast is more than one conference and it appears that two of the conferences have clear favorites - Denison in the NCAC and Washington & Jefferson in the PAC. Both have appeared in the last four NCAA Playoff cycles and while their competitors are catching up, but they might not be ready in 2024. Look for both to make a strong drive for a short drive to Eastlake.
Each year the D-III World Series features a team new to the finals and as teams make their first appearances (three just in 2023), the list of those without an appearance gets smaller. Well we have talked about Denison and they they have been knocking on the door but it is the Series hometown school that we believe have the best chance to make a rookie trip to the World Series, Case Western Reserve. Nobody plays a tougher schedule year in and year out. Our final teams to keep your eye on comes from the MIAA. Adrian use to be a lock for the conference title but they have competition in Kalamazoo. This is good news for our Michigan fans as they can expect to see games that matter.
New Faces
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| Michael Finlan was hired to coach the Bethany Bisons in 2024. He replaces Justin Thomas who won 84 games between 2019-23. Bethany athletics photo |
Michael Finlan, Bethany - Finlan joins Bethany after serving as the assistant coach at Spalding. "Thank you to all the coaches and players I've had the privilege of working with over the past few years. I'm very excited to get started and lead Bethany Baseball into a bright future," said Finlan. During his short stint with Spalding, Finlan helped guide the Golden Eagles to a 35-12 overall record and the program's first St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship. Finlan is familiar with the West Virginia baseball landscape, having spent time at Wheeling University and Glenville State. As a student-athlete, Finlan pitched two seasons at perennial-power Marietta.
Barry Craddock, Wilmington - Wilmington found its new head coach as Craddock rose to the top of an impressive pool of candidates during a national search. Craddock comes to Wilmington from Wooster where he has been the head coach for the last four years. "Throughout this process, I was impressed with their energy, commitment and vision for the baseball program, Quaker Athletics and the entire campus community," said Craddock. "It is obvious that coaches and athletes are highly valued here at Wilmington, and I am proud to join a community that shares my core values."
Aaron Swick, Wooster - Swick, a 15-year NCAA Div. III head coach who achieved success at Willamette was hired as Wooster's head coach. "Our goal will be to empower each player to reach their full potential, fostering an environment where they can thrive as people, students, and athletes," said Swick, who is the fourth person to lead the Fighting Scots' historic program since 1976. I am looking forward to getting to campus and building a program with our players and staff that will not only compete for North Coast Athletic Conference championships, but also continue to be a national contender at the NCAA Div. III level." Eleven straight Bearcat teams achieved a .500 or better record under Swick's guidance, headlined by his 2018 squad advancing to the regional championship round following a Northwest Conference Tournament championship. Success in the national tournament, plus tying the program record with 31 wins, resulted in D3baseball.com West Region Coach of the Year laurels.
Key Games
Washington Jefferson at Baldwin Wallace: The expectations are high for Baldwin Wallace and they open their season with the PAC favorite, Washington & Jefferson on Feb. 17. Both teams will want to see their seasons get off on the right foot. The Yellow Jackets have opened the past two seasons with a modest win streak and the Presidents own a 2-0 record against OAC teams in their season openers in the post-COVID era. Something has to give and this should be a fun game in February with at-large bids implications at the end of the season.
Case Western Reserve at Denison: Case Western Reserve plays at Denison on April 10. the UAA does not have an automatic bid and often it is big wins against the toughest opponents that pad their resume when playoff bids are handed out. A win here might not derail the Big Red but a win for the Spartans will be huge.
Baldwin Wallace at Marietta: Baldwin Wallace travels south to Marietta for a doubleheader on April 6. There will be plenty on the line here between two teams that have to goal of giving their fans a short trip to the DIII World Series.
Kalamazoo at Adrian: The new champion meets the established power as Adrian travels to Kalamazoo on April 12 with a doubleheader at Adrian the next day. Winning this series should give one team a leg up when seedings are determined for the MIAA tournament.
Conference Previews
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| Alfred State's Elijah Barinas was named to the Region 7 All-Defensive team. Barinas flashed a .972 fielding percentage in conference play, anchoring third base all season. Alfred State athletic photo |
American Mountain Collegiate Conference: Alfred State (26-16) will be reloading the offense in 2024 with 80% of their home run and 60% of their RBI production receiving diplomas at the end of the 2023 season. The top hitter will be third baseman Elijah Barinas (.327, 1 HR, 27 RBI). While the news at the plate is distressing, it is the opposite on the mound. Back in the fold are the Pioneers top two starters and best relief specialist. Christopher Mattoon (8-2, 3.33 ERA, 36K) and Ryan Bailey (8-1, 3.98 ERA, 65K) will get the ball at the start of the game with Caden Fortunato (2-4, 2.83 ERA, 17K, 3 Saves) waiting in the pen.
Penn State-Behrend (22-19) has established themselves a perennial contenders for the AMCC crown and their returning line up shows this. Silvio Ionadi (.358, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 11 SB) played well as a freshman in 2023 and is joined by a trio of juniors in Mac Ciocco (.378, 35 RBI), Chase Palmer (.317, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 10 SB) and Daniel Boehme (.264, 1 HR, 30 RBI). The pitcher with the most innings and strikeouts graduated but the next three in the innings pitched return. A rotation with Ethan Tinker (3-3, 4.98 ERA, 32K), Evan Bromley (6-3, 4.94 ERA, 26K) and Jeff Zick (2-2, 4.70 ERA, 40K) should keep the Lions at the top of the standings when the season draws to a close.
Hilbert (26-18), Mount Aloysius (17-20) and Pitt-Greenberg (21-16) all played in the conference tournament but it was Hilbert that made a big step forward. The Hawks made it all the way to the championship game, losing to Penn-State Altoona. The Hawks return 7 of 9 starters on offense, four of their top arms with a strong recruiting class. While the losses were significant with two of three outfielders graduating - one an All-American, Hilbert has lofty expectations in 2024. Tops on the team is Patrick Whelan (.425, 10 HR, 60 RBI) who is approaching 200 hits, 150 RBI and 100 runs and could surpass all these milestones. The starting pitching could use a couple good arms and the Hawks hope they found them in a nearby community college. Dylan Moorhouse, Nolan Evans and Spencer Harford combined to go 12-4 for Erie CC and are prepped to step in on day one. Hilbert has their closer in junior Brendan Walsh (4-0, 2.70 ERA, 35K, 11 saves). Mount Aloysius will see the return of the whole pitching staff and the addition of 2 key transfers as they look to get back to 2022 form and compete for an AMCC Championship. key to their chances will be Tyler Quade (.496, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 15 SB; 5-5, 7.11 ERA, 63K) a two-time All American and 2022 D3baseball.com Rookie of the Year.
La Roche (13-21), Penn State-Altoona (20-27) and Pitt-Bradford (7-26) finished the season with more runs allow than they scored. Altoona was close to reversing this trend in the conference slate and found their footing with a conference championship as the final seeded team and a playoff appearance. Three players key to their championship, Jon Rauch (.388, 6 HR, 44 RBI), Jake Hillard (.324, 4 HR, 29 RBI) and Corey Chamberlain (.366, 2 HR, 34 RBI) are back as they try to make it back-to-back titles. With only three seniors from last years conference championship team, head coach RJ Barnard is looking to take the second half momentum built from last season to compete for another conference championship. Wells (11-27) is moving to the AMCC from the United East.
FAVORITE: Penn State Behrend
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| Kalamazoo's Ryar Rinehart became the first student-athlete in program history to earn a national award when he was named the 2023 D3baseball.com National Rookie of the Year. Kalamazoo athletic photo |
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association: Kalamazoo (31-11) took the MIAA regular season title for the second straight year but missed the playoffs despite a 30 win season. Things should be the same as the Hornets bring back everyone with the exception of their top starter. Senior All-Region performer Braden Mussat (7-1, 1.22 ERA, 41K) will take on the role that Thomas Sylvester graduated out of. Seniors occupy all the spots up the middle of the defense with fifth-year senior Harrison Poeszat (.397, 4 HR, 44 RBI) swinging a big bat as well as a solid backstop for the pitching staff. It is the presence of 2023 D3baseball Rookie of the Year in third baseman Ryan Rinehart (.423, 10 HR, 72 RBI) that has Kalamazoo thinking of bigger goals than a MIAA title.
Adrian (27-12) has made the Regional round for the second time in three years despite uncharacteristic win totals in the last two years. They are trending up and a good regional recruiting class should keep them at the top of the conference. The Bulldogs will return the entire starting line-up which included many underclassmen. Two of those sophomores last year, third baseman/closer Ryan Davis Ryan Davis (.321, 12 HR, 42 RBI; 1-1, 3.04 ERA, 29K, 6 Saves) and shortstop/starting pitcher Jakob Charles (.392, 1 HR, 27 RBI; 5-2, 4.33 ERA, 52K), made significant contributions from the plate and the mound. Also back, for perhaps their final years, are AJ Miranda (.303, 3 HR, 31 RBI) and Teddy Wagner (.394, 6 HR, 59 RBI). For Adrian to make significant improvement this year it will fall to an improving pitching staff. With Charles and Danny Gutierrez (7-4, 5.09 ERA, 70K) heading a staff that only lost one key starter and the top of the bullpen already in place, the race for tops in the MIAA will be an exciting race this season.
Alma (22-21-1) is part of a conference that is upgrading. For many years this has been a single bid conference and the progress Alma and other programs are making are putting the MIAA in the range of a two bid conference. The Scots' strength is the number of returning starters who gained valuable experience in conference play and the conference tournament. All-American first baseman Avery Carnicom (.421, 14 HR, 53 RBI) is an example of how the MIAA is attracting top talent. On the mound, Tyler Johnson (7-3, 2.67 ER, 92K) who was relatively new to pitching when he arrived at Alma, continues to perfect his pitches and mental approach. This dedication led him to be an All-Region selection and MIAA Pitcher of the Year and more is expected of him in 2024. Head coach Jason Crain made improvements to to the team which should prove invaluable. All that is left to do is play the games.
Hope (20-20) had the best success in recruiting players from their home state and should finish well above the .500 mark. Their recruiting class will augment a very good nucleus. Part of this core swinging the bats are seniors Robbie Stuursma (.314, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 17 SB) and Owen Krizan (.292, 2 HR, 30 RBI). Senior Graham O'Gorman (7-2, 4.74 ERA, 24K) is the ace of the staff and he, along with his hitters, will be key leaders as the players learn to play as a team. Head coach Stu Fritz sees all the pieces are there to have a very good ball club and make this a special year in his final one as a head coach.
Calvin (19-20) has stayed steady in the win column only to see other programs skip them and leave them out of the conference tournament. In 2023 the Knights' pitching staff were handing out free passes at a rate where long-term success was not sustainable. Calvin's fortunes depends on their pitchers regaining control of the strike zone. This is the job for Calvin's new pitching coach, major league pitcher Andy VanHekken (Detroit Tigers). Sophomore shortstop Patrick Gillen (.397, 6 HR, 52 RBI) is the top player on offense bar none and is one of seven regulars in 2023 that will be on the squad in 2024. Even though the talent level in the MIAA is rising, the Knights have the players to return to the conference tournament.
Albion (12-27), Olivet (4-31), and Trine (15-24) finished at the bottom of the conference and could very well do it again in 2024. The Albion Britons will be looking to escape the cellar with pitching. The team is deep on the mound without a senior in the staff. Sophomore Cole Giesige (4-4, 4.91 ERA, 71K) and junior Brayden Raether (3-8, 5.09 ERA, 55K) were inning eaters and expected to improve. Backstopping the pitching staff will be Matt McGann (.380, 3 HR, 26 RBI), a four year starter and headed off to Oakland University in 2025 to use his Covid year to get the exposure needed to break into the professional ranks.
FAVORITE: Adrian
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| Through his first two seasons, Eric Colaco ranks second in Denison history in stolen bases (70), third in slugging percentage (.602), seventh in runs scored (130) and eighth in batting average (.369) Denison athletics photo |
North Coast Athletics Conference: Denison (36-10) made it five straight regional playoff bids and will be looking for a sixth. Despite a strong group of returning players, a few critical roles (catching, starting pitching and back-end of bullpen) are still to be determined. Part of the returning core hitters are seniors Noah Leib (.379, 8 HR, 61 RBI, 10 SB), Jake Welsch (.350, 4 HR, 41 RBI) and Owen Wilson (.282, 24 RBI). NCAC Player of the Year Eric Colaco (.378, 10 HR, 60 RBI) is coming off labral surgery and will start as a DH before a return to the outfield. Nick Falter (7-1, 2.54 ERA, 57K) and Will Rettig (3-0, 2.95 ERA, 43K) will top the starting rotation. How quickly the young talent on the mound gets up to speed will be key to another trip to the regional round.
Wittenberg (32-10) made history in 2023 with the best season in the program last year. Wittenberg set a program record for wins and winning streak (15 straight wins) and ended their historic run with a loss to league leading Denison in the NCAC championship game. The Tigers are well poised to stay at the top of the standings in 2024. Team MVP, Conor O'Malley (.368. 6 HR, 55 RBI) is back as well as two other players who got a lot of at-bats in the 2023 season - Matt Moore (.348, 3 HR, 37 RBI) and Luke Thomas (.4221, 2 HR, 37 RBI). Nick Cunningham (7-3, 3.61 ERA, 35K) is the top pitcher back in the rotation and will welcome back Austin Luther, an All-Region pitcher in 2022 who was injured for most of 2023.
A sub .500 year is an anomaly for Wooster (17-23-1) and with a new head coach, this team has a renewed determination to get back to being one of the top teams in the region. The Scots will need another big year from All-American Eli Westrick (.418, 3 HR, 26 RBI) if they have a chance to get back to the top of the NCAC. With the departure of first baseman Dane Camphausen, the power in the line up will come from senior Grant Mitchell (.278, 5 HR, 31 RBI) and sophomore John Panstares (.352, 5 HR, 20 RBI). Devin Anthony (5-1, 3.99 ERA, 42K) is the best remaining starter and with senior Corey Knauf (3-2, 4.11 ERA, 32K) will be expected to chew up some innings as the bullpen was hit hard with the top of the squad getting their degrees.
Kenyon (21-14) and Wabash (24-18) tied in the 2023 regular season but with the tie breaker, Wabash went forward to the conference tournemant and Kenyon ended their season. Wabash made it 20 wins or more for the second straight season with eyes on a third. With five selections to the All-NCAC honor role, three from the offense are among those 2023 Little Giants back this seaon - AJ Reid (.399, 10 HR, 50 RBI, 9 SB), Kamden Earley (.354, 1 HR, 35 RBI), Camden Scheidt (.312, 1 HR, 25 RBI). The offense narrowly out hit their opposition in 2023 but it was the offense that out pitched Wabash. Improvement will be needed if Wabash wants to reach the next level of success. The straw that stirs the drink for the Kenyon Owls is D3baseball.com Preseason All-American, Edwin Groff (.443, 5 HR, 38 RBI). To surround Groff, Kenyon brings back four other all-NCAC players honored in 2023 - Malcolm Gaynor (.354, 6 HR, 39 RBI), Tripper Capps (.402, 2 HR, 23 RBI) and Drew Robinson (.339, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 17 SB) on offense and Theo Canning (3-2, 4.11, 45K) in the starting rotation.
DePauw (12-26), Hiram (15-25), Oberlin (11-24) and Ohio Wesleyan (18-21). Good news for the Tigers of DePauw, they were able to sign almost a third of the Indiana prospects headed to D-III schools in this years incoming freshmen class. Ohio Wesleyan are looking to get out of the basement with an eye on the penthouse. With the most production returning in the conference, expectations are high for OWU. Sammy Stoner (.375, 16 RBI, 15 SB), an All-Conference performer on the diamond and gridiron, has a chance to play professionally after graduation. Joining Stoner this summer on a championship summer league team was Mikey Olivieri (0-2, 9.82 ERA, 10K). He finished the summer 3-0 with two saves and a 3.80 ERA and could be a force in the Battlin Bishops' bullpen.
FAVORITE: Denison
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| Marietta has appeared in the Preseason Top 25 for three straight years. Marietta athletics photo |
Ohio Athletic Conference: It is an exciting string for Baldwin Wallace (39-12) who made it two D-III World Series in a row and another would not be a surprise. The travel will be easier with the Series moving to Cleveland, so if the Yellow Jackets three-peat you can expect a lot of yellow and brown in the stands. Pitching will be a strength of a team that also knows how to hit. Any look at the pitching starts with Garrett Miller (11-0, 3.84, 77K), who is as good as any pitcher this year at this level. Following Miller are the future staff in 2025 and beyond in Kade Swisher (3-1, 3.66 ERA, 32K), Dylan Snyder (2-0, 4.17 ERA, 54K) and Tyler Walker (1-1, 6.00 ERA, 27K). With the bats look for Sean Kolenich (.406, 3 HR, 40 RBI, 10 SB) to post big numbers in the spring.
Marietta (37-13) had another successful season but a second place conference finish and missing the World Series will not sit well with head coach Brian Brewer. The Pioneers successfully reloaded last year and should be a threat to anyone seeking the walnut and Bronze trophy being awarded in East Lake Ohio. Tops on the team are All-American second baseman Alex Richer (.377, 7 HR. 454 RBI) and pitcher Trent Valentine (7-1, 3.48 ERA, 64K) but this is not a one star team. Kail Hill (10-4, 3.30 ERA, 67K) and Zach Marzetz (4-0, 3.38 ERA, 20K) will follow Valentine in the rotation. Ty Davis (.374, 5 HR, 53 RBI) and Ben Kaplin (.333, 2 HR, 49 RBI) are just two more hitters that batted better .300.
John Carroll (28-17), Ohio Northern (27-15) and Otterbein (27-13) will be looking to join the top two programs. The Polar Bears return a core both swinging the bat and throwing a ball. Senior Jack Hutchins (7-2, 1.91 ERA, 59K) and junior Blake Altaffer (8-1, 2.19 ERA, 40K) will form a potent 1-2 to lead into any conference weekend. At the plate Ohio Northern will try to replace Corey McMann, ONU's all-time hits leader. Top hitters, sophomore Chase Armstrong (.360, 10 HR, 26 RBI) and senior Logan Stevens (.306, 7 HR, 35 RBI) will be called upon for more production. One of Otterbein's goals are to play in a the regional round and they will have to change the script to accomplish this as they missed the OAC tournament in 2023. Leading the Cardinals are the left side of the infield in Brayden Quincel (.365, 13 HR, 45 RBI) and Brayden Carter (.369, 1 HR, 38 RBI, 14 SB) but as solid as the offense was last year and projected into 2024, it is pitching that will determine how far Otterbein goes in checking off their goals. For John Carroll to win and OAC title, the time is short as the Blue Streaks
Heidelberg (19-21), Mount Union (22-15-1) and Muskingum (22-18) did not click in 2023 but there is always next year. Next year is here for Heidelberg. They were extremely inexperienced last year and finished around .500 but have everyone back this year so look for improvements in wins. Statistically, Adam McVicker (.333, 9 HR, 34 RBI) was the best player last year but several players under performed and are poised to have breakout years. Cam Farley (.354, 4 HR, 26 RBI), Aiden Corrigan (/323, 3 HR, 26 RBI) and Thomas Sauer (.200, 2 HR, 12 RBI) will want to make their final year on the squad special. Jackson Powers (6-4, 4.28 ERA, 61K) and Cobin Caplan (3-3, 4.53 ERA, 39K) are a righty, lefty junior combo at the top of the starting staff.
Capital (6-30) and Willmington (16-23) round out the rest of the OAC. Thirteen Capital Comets have been selected to play next summer. Head coach Scott Manahan can see the difference that the extra work adds to the team performance. With an emphasis on playing against high caliber competition, this should serve to improve the position of the team in one of the elite conferences in DIII Baseball.Of the three players who represented Wilmington on the all-NCAC squad, only honorable mention Zach Shepherd (3-1, 3.09 ERA, 33K) is back on the roster. This is not the start that new head coach Barry Craddock wanted but Craddock represents and upgraded in the coaching staff. Expect the Quakers to rise out of the basement, maybe not this year but in the future.
FAVORITE: Baldwin Wallace
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| Washington & Jefferson has made the last four NCAA Regional Playoffs and seven of the last ten. Washington & Jefferson athletics photo |
Presidents Athletics Conference: For years the PAC was dominated by Washington and Jefferson (32-14). They still do but they are seeing more competition these days. This season will be no different as the Presidents return a good chunk of their lineup. Last year W&J dealt with a lot of injuries to the pitching staff and that gave innings to a lot of pitchers making this year's staff deeper than last year, even with the departure of All-American Utility player Tyler Horvat. Junior shortstop Jacob LaDuca (322, 2 HR, 334 RBI, 40 R) will start the season with captain stripes and is the type of player at the top of our lineup that makes things happen. Drew Garth (.264, 5 HR, 21 RBI), a transfer outfielder from DII Seton Hill, is one of fifteen new faces and will get a slot in the starting nine.
Grove City (30-11) finished the 2023 season with a program record for single-season victories (30). The Wolverines produced a eleven all-PAC of honorees with nine eligible to return. Every infielder earned honors with Mally Kilbane (.444, 2 HR, 40 RBI), Luke Vittone (,309, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 16 SB), Lucca Baccari (.257, 1 HR, 31 RBI) and Markus Williams (.364, 2 HR, 31 RBI) all back on the dirt. Add outfielders Josh Minnich (.348, 1 HR, 40 RBI) and Nick Sampson (.352, 27 RBI) and you have a lineup that will challenge W&J. Evan Umland (7-4, 3,34 ERA, 53K) and David Leslie (6-3, 4,06, 76K) will challenge each other to be tops on the starting staff that saw the loss of top aced Tate Ostrowski.
Allegheny (20-16), St. Vincent (22-18) and Westminster (Pa.) (20-20) all slipped in wins from 2022 in 2023 and it was Allegheny who was the odd man out in the conference tourney. St. Vincent returns a veteran group but had big losses in the outfield (centerfielder Jordan Sabol) and on the mound (No. 1 pitcher Casey Jones). Senior first baseman Billy Perroz (.423, 7 HR, 39 RBI) has to be on the short list of the best hitters in the conference. Despite plenty of experience in the pitching staff, head coach Mick Janosko will be looking for one or two pitchers to step up and seize a starting role. Allegheny will have to replace their middle defense and will find a new face among the 27 players that are back on the roster or from the 15 member recruiting class. The bullpen depth for the Gators will be as strong as it has been in a long time, while the starting pitching is equally experienced. The scouts will be out to watch Tyson Bryant-Dawson (.333, 8 HR, 34 RBI, 20 SB). He is a five-tool player with a lot of room to improve yet. For the pitching, senior Brent Herrmann (5-1, 4.44 ERA, 35K) and junior Mark Schweickert (4-3, 3.43 ERA, 53K) will be top the starting rotation. Westminister (Pa.) (20-20) will bring back much of their starting lineup but saw two of the three starting outfielders graduate leaving Matthew Randza (.310, 2 HR, 33 RBI) as the lone returnee. The strength of the Titan program will be in the infield with upper classmen filling the positions. It is the same on the mound with seniors Logan Exler (5-3, 3.51 ERA, 28K) and Kolton Banfi (5-2, 3.69 ERA, 47K) getting the ball first out.
Chatham (19-18) and Waynesburg (14-24) are headed in different directions. Waynesburg is four years away from a .500 season while Chatham is coming off their two best seasons in program history and first winning season in program history. The Cougars are looking to take another step forward. They return a decent amount of experience and are pleased with what the newcomers are bringing to the program. Benny Dottle (.401, 18 RBI) is undersized but brings a big bat to the lineup and plays a plus defense, even in new positons. The returning starters all had ERAs above 6.00 but if they can get a lead late, Chatham has a bullpen that can finish the lead in a trio of juniors in Kole Mayle (1-1, 3.21 ERA, 13K, 2 Saves), David McSorley (3-0, 4.97 ERA, 17K) and Tyler Cote (0-1, 5.40 ERA, 16K, 2 Saves). If the Cougars come together as a team in the spring, they will be difficult to beat.
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| If Jack Anderson and the rest of the Case Western Reserve squad earns a spot in the 2024 D-III College World Series, they will only have to travel 15 miles up I-90. Case Western athletics photo |
Bethany (18-22), Franciscan (6-28), Geneva (16-23) and Thiel (11-28) came up short in 2023. For The Franciscan Barons, they are still building and finding their identity as a team The 2024 version will still be young with only one senior graduating from the team last Spring. Injuries were a theme as the pitching staff was hard hit. With so many freshmen, it will take time to achieve the program goals but meanwhile, the coaching staff is instilling a culture to set a tone for the future. Hopes start with incoming freshman Josiah Bodie who has the potential to develop into an all-league performer in the outfield and as a reliever.
FAVORITE: Washington and Jefferson
Independents: Case Western Reserve (28-15) features a veteran squad with an already talented group of hitters supplemented by a number of strong transfers. All-American Catcher Jack Anderson (.468, 3 HR, 45 RBI, 15 SB) is the best of the Spartan's squad. Fellow All-region selection Nick Harms (.337, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 10 SB) will also be back in the outfield and will be asked to provide the punch in a solid offensive lineup. If Kyle Gearding (6-2, 3.31 ERA, 51K) and Reece Marley (7-3, 3.73 ERA, 78K) falter, there are a trio of senior relievers whom head coach Matt Englander can call on. Tyler Horvath (1-2, 3.60 ERA, 26K, 4 Saves) and Patrick O'Connor (4-1, 2.80 ERA, 34K, 4 Saves) are back with Zack Carinci returning full time from an injury.
Asbury (23-15-1) will play their final provisional year in 2024 thanks to an accelerated process that shaved a year of the time to convert from NAIA to Division III. The Eagles should be ready for the competition as they swept the NCCAA regional awards with Player, Pitcher and Freshman of the Year.