2021 NSIC Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll

1/21/2021 3:00:00 PM

Augustana Picked in NSIC Baseball Preseason Poll for Third Consecutive Season

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Augustana University was the top pick in the 2021 NSIC Preseason Baseball Coaches’ Poll. This marks the third consecutive season that the Vikings have been picked to win the league. Augustana amassed 195 points after receiving 13 first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team). Minnesota State was second with 181 points and two first place votes. St. Cloud State was picked third with 160 points, while Minot State was fourth with 153 points.

The preseason coaches’ poll is based off each coach ranking each team from 14 to 1 with the top team receiving 14 points, second 13, third 12, etc.

The baseball non-conference season gets underway in early February with NSIC play beginning on March 20. The 2021 NSIC Baseball Tournament will take the top eight teams in the final NSIC Standings. The eight-team double elimination tournament takes place May 12-15 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, co-hosted by Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls.

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#1 Jordan Barth (1B/3B, Jr., Cold Spring, Minn. / ROCORI HS)

2020 NSIC Preseason Player of the Year
Earned NSIC Player of the Week and NCBWA Central Region Player of the Week honors after going 8-for-12 with five runs scored, seven RBI's, one homer, one double, one walk and two stolen bases in a three-game sweep of Southwest Baptist
Started and hit safely in all 13 games for the Vikings… Had a .471 batting average with 24 hits, six doubles, one homer, 12 runs scored and 11 RBI
Had a slugging percentage of .647, on base percentage of .481, fielding percentage of .989 and went three-for-four in stolen base attempts

Jordan is one of the best hand-eye guys I have coached. His proven ability to consistently put the ball in play and hit with power makes him a dangerous hitter. Add his defensive ability at either corner infield spot and it is easy to argue he is one of, if not the best player in our league.

Head Coach Tim Huber

#21 Max Steffens (RHP, DeWitt, Iowa / Central DeWitt HS)

2020 NSIC Preseason Pitcher of the Year
2019 NCBWA Division II Second-Team All-American, NCBWA Central Region Pitcher of the Year, NCBWA Central Region First-Team, D2CCA Central Region Pitcher of the Year, NCBA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-Region First-Team, NSIC Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-NSIC and NSIC Gold Glove Award Winner
2019 stats: Went 9-1 with a 2.77 ERA in 97.1 innings pitched
Struck out 68 hitters and had an opponent batting average of .235

Max is healthy after a setback last year. We expect him to return to the form that earned him pitcher of the year in the conference and region in 2019. He throws multiple pitches for strikes and competes.

Head Coach Tim Huber

Season Previews & Players to Watch

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

Coach Tim Huber and the Augustana baseball team brought in 10 newcomers to the 2021 squad to push the roster to 43 members. The Vikings return a large majority of starters on the mound and in the field with a veteran roster comprised of eight seniors and nine juniors.

Offensively, the Vikings return big bats from 2020 in junior Jordan Barth (.471 average with an OBP% of .481 and .647 SLG%), sophomore Carter Howell (.440 average with eight extra-base hits and 17 runs scored), junior Jaxon Rosencranz (.370 average with six homers, four doubles and 19 RBIs) and senior Riley Johnson (.340 average with 12 runs scored, two homers and eight RBIs).

On the mound, Augustana returns the reigning NSIC Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year in Max Steffens. They also return Seth Miller (3.45 ERA in 15.2 innings pitched with 16 strikeouts) and Tanner Brown (19 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched). Those three should spearhead a strong Vikings pitching staff.

Projected to finish first in the NSIC last season, the Vikings found success in 2020 despite the season being cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic. Augustana went 9-4, including two wins over then-No. 21 Arkansas Monticello and a three-game road sweep of Southwest Baptist. Jordan Barth hit safely in all 13 games and was named NSIC Player of the Week and NCBWA Central Region Player of the Week when the Vikings swept Southwest Baptist. Tanner Brown also earned NSIC Pitcher of the Week honors with his win against Arkansas Monticello.

Considering how old and experienced we are and the number of players remaining from the successful teams we have had the past couple years; it is hard not to be excited and have high expectations. Our position guys are very athletic and can run. This will help us put pressure on opposing defenses as well as play good defense behind our talented pitching staff. If we stay healthy, I expect us to be one of the most talented teams offensively and on the mound. The conference will be very competitive. Most teams return a lot of older players, but with so many unknowns with this pandemic, it will be very interesting to see how things play out.

Head Coach Tim Huber

#1 Jordan Barth (1B/3B, Jr., Cold Spring, Minn. / ROCORI HS)

2020 NSIC Preseason Player of the Year
Earned NSIC Player of the Week and NCBWA Central Region Player of the Week honors after going 8-for-12 with five runs scored, seven RBI's, one homer, one double, one walk and two stolen bases in a three-game sweep of Southwest Baptist
Started and hit safely in all 13 games for the Vikings… Had a .471 batting average with 24 hits, six doubles, one homer, 12 runs scored and 11 RBI
Had a slugging percentage of .647, on base percentage of .481, fielding percentage of .989 and went three-for-four in stolen base attempts

Jordan is one of the best hand-eye guys I have coached. His proven ability to consistently put the ball in play and hit with power makes him a dangerous hitter. Add his defensive ability at either corner infield spot and it is easy to argue he is one of, if not the best player in our league.

Head Coach Tim Huber

#21 Max Steffens (RHP, DeWitt, Iowa / Central DeWitt HS)

2020 NSIC Preseason Pitcher of the Year
2019 NCBWA Division II Second-Team All-American, NCBWA Central Region Pitcher of the Year, NCBWA Central Region First-Team, D2CCA Central Region Pitcher of the Year, NCBA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-Region First-Team, NSIC Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-NSIC and NSIC Gold Glove Award Winner
2019 stats: Went 9-1 with a 2.77 ERA in 97.1 innings pitched
Struck out 68 hitters and had an opponent batting average of .235

Max is healthy after a setback last year. We expect him to return to the form that earned him pitcher of the year in the conference and region in 2019. He throws multiple pitches for strikes and competes.

Head Coach Tim Huber

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

Bemidji State’s shortened 2020 season was highlighted by an opening-day sweep of Rockhurst University with 4-3 and 8-0 wins. BSU’s Position Player to Watch Noah Boser, a senior outfielder from Pierz, Minn., went 5-of-7 from the plate with two triples and one RBI during the team’s two wins. On the season, Boser led BSU hitting .409 from the plate with 18 hits, 11 runs, seven walks, four RBI, four triples, four steals, and two walks. He also tallied a .962 fielding percentage with one error and 25 putouts. BSU’s Pitcher to Watch is Hunter Lake, a senior from Barnum, Minn., who will be making his career debut on the mound during the 2021 season. Lake has made two appearances throughout his career, both coming last season as a pinch hitter and third baseman.

Bemidji State ranked third in the NSIC last season in total walks (67), fourth in walks allowed per nine innings (3.83), and ranked fifth in stolen bases (19) and triples (4). As a team, the Beavers hit .264 from the plate with a .336 slugging percentage and a .384 on-base percentage. BSU totaled 51 RBI with 61 total runs scored on 102 hits from the plate. On the mound, BSU totaled an 8.52 ERA in 94.0 innings pitched with 72 strikeouts and 40 walks allowed and a .358 opponent batting average.

Head Coach Tim Bellew enters his 16th season as the head skipper for the Beavers with a career record of 220-458-1 at Bemidji State.

I am as excited as all the other coaches. After all we have been through the past nine months, having the ability to do what we love, to coach again is great. To be able to see the excitement in our players as they are able to compete again, that is what excites me most about this year.

Head Coach Tim Bellew

#1 Noah Boser (OF, Sr., Pierz, Minn. / Pierz HS)

Started 12 games during BSU's shortened season
Led BSU and the NSIC with four triples
Led BSU and ranked seventh in the NSIC with a .409 batting average
Also led BSU with a .636 slugging percentage, .509 on-base percentage, 28 total bases, 18 hits, 11 runs scored and three hit by pitches

As a freshman and sophomore Noah has always been very talented, but needed to find his way so to speak. Over the past two years, Noah has become dedicated in all areas: GPA above 3.15, extremely good work ethic on the field, practice, weight room and conditioning. He has also become a very positive influence to all our younger players and is one of the most popular players in our program. Noah does volunteer work in the community, works the press box for BSU home football games, is our official scorer for BSU Men's and Women's Basketball and helps out with all high school contests on the BSU campus. He was also a senior last year, but due to COVID he added another emphasis within our education program in order to play this spring.

Head Coach Tim Bellew

#45 Hunter Lake (RHP, Barnum, Minn. / Barnum HS)

Played in two games during BSU's shortened season
Recorded three at-bats.

Hunter is without a doubt the most improved baseball player I have ever seen. He is dedicated, relentless, has a great attitude and is an incredible leader and representative of BSU Baseball, Athletics and our University. He is an exercise science major with a 3.59 GPA and will be attending physical therapy school next Fall. He is also involved with nearly every sport at BSU with regards to being the main student lead for event management. He is the definition of being involved. Hunter works with me the entire summer running all aspect of our baseball facility including over 120 games, high school sections, legion districts, state tournaments and region tournaments for the past four years. You never have to tell or instruct Hunter anything more than once. It will take at least three people to replace all the things he does for both BSU Baseball and BSU Athletics.

Head Coach Tim Bellew

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

The Golden Bears enter the 2021 season with an experienced bunch as they return their entire lineup while losing just two key members from the pitching staff. During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, CSP was rounding into form right before the shutdown as they rattled off seven wins in their final nine games, including their final three in a row, to finish the season at 7-6 overall. The Golden Bears amassed an impressive .334/.393/.434 slash line at the plate over the 15 games as seven of the team’s eight regular starters hit above .300, along with the team’s top three players off the bench.

That depth at the plate will once again be a key factor in the team’s success this season with the whole crew back. One player to watch in the lineup is junior outfielder/pitcher Ryan Christopher. The Jackson, Minn. native was the team’s top run producer while slashing a massive .417/.440/.625. Sophomore outfielder Jack Young had a breakout season of his own as he led the team with a .444 batting average and a 1.085 OPS over a dozen games.

On the mound, freshman Griffin Lapp is tabbed as a player to watch after making his Concordia debut last year. The two-way player made three appearances on the mound, including his first win over Jamestown, while also hitting .500 over 10 at-bats. Along with Lapp and Christopher, junior Luke DeGrammont will also be counted on after making three starts last year.

CSP opens the season at Purdue Northwest on Mar. 6-7. They open up conference play two weeks later at home against UMD.

Our team will work to build off of the momentum and experience we gained last year when we had seven new starters and won seven of our last nine games. This year we return starters at every position and have a deep roster that will provide depth and competition for playing time. Our guys have done everything they can to prepare for the season during challenging times and are excited to get back on the field and to compete in what should be a very talented and competitive NSIC.

Head Coach Neil Lerner

#7 Ryan Christopher (CF/LHP, Jr., Jackson, Minn. / Jackson County Central HS)

Ranked fourth in the NSIC with 15 RBIs and fifth with a .417 batting average
Eight of his 20 hits went for extra bases as he finished 14th in the league with a .625 slugging percentage
Led the team with five three-hit games and five multi-RBI games on the season
Also made two starts on the mound, picking up five strikeouts over 5.2 innings

Ryan is an outstanding athlete with an endless baseball skill set. With his ability to be an elite defender in the outfield, a top of the lineup hitter, and a quality left-handed pitcher, his value to our team is immense. Additionally, Ryan has an outstanding work ethic and has grown into one of our team leaders. He is a guy that everyone likes to be around and a clear spark plug of our team.

Head Coach Neil Lerner

#10 Griffin Lapp (RHP, Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield HS)

Registered a 1-1 record in 9.1 innings over three appearances last season
Struck out nine batters on the year
Picked up his first career win, throwing 5.0 innings of one-run ball while striking out seven against Jamestown on Mar. 7
Slashed .500/.545/.600 at the plate while driving in four and scoring three times

Griffin quickly established himself as one of our top starting pitchers during his COVID shortened true freshman year. A natural athlete, Griffin understands how to pitch and how to get hitters out. Griffin is a student of the game that will keep getting better as he continues to develop.

Head Coach Neil Lerner

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

Following tremendous gains in the 2019 season that featured 12 more wins and a gain of six slots in the Northern Sun standings from the previous year, the University of Mary surge was sidetracked last season when the pandemic halted the Marauders season after 12 games. Head coach Tanner Spencer, entering his second season at UMary, looks for the Marauders fortunes to continue climbing with a talented squad featuring a quality returning corps mixed with impactful newcomers.

The Marauders Player to Watch is shortstop Spencer Gillund, who will provide punch and defense in the middle of the Marauders infield and lineup. The former NJCAA All-American, NCAA Division I transfer and Northwoods League player posted a 905 OPS in limited play last season for UMary. Newcomer Austin Wagner is UMary’s Pitcher to Watch. The lefthander is a transfer from NCAA Division I Abilene Christian, where he was the Wildcats top starter. Wagner ranked 6th in the nation in strikeout—to-walk ratio (22-to-1) and was among the Southland Conference leaders in WHIP (0.81) and ERA (1.96).

The Marauders pitching staff is in solid hands. Sophomores Daniel Turner and Jonathan Draheim enter their third year in the starting rotation. Turner was 2-1 with a .91 WHIP last year, including a win over national power Central Missouri. Paxton Miller and Andrew Brooks gained valuable experience with the Bismarck Larks in the Northwoods League last summer.

Outfielder Ty Jones and infielder Derek Shoen, in his first year at UMary, will both see double duty in the field and on the mound. Third baseman Cal James made an immediate impact with the bat last year as a true freshman. OF Braxton Inniss, a transfer from NCAA D1 Northern Colorado, and C Tyrus Barclay, a grad transfer from Emporia State, will play key roles.

We have a really close group that understands the identity we're building and leaders that set the tone daily. We're deep and talented on the mound, and have a position player group with college pedigree and experience. We've trained and prepared exceptionally hard for the spring season. We're very much looking forward to the chance to compete this spring.

Head Coach Tanner Spencer

#1 Spencer Gillund (SS, Sr., Enderlin, N.D. / Enderlin HS)

Joined the Marauders for the 2020 season after spending previous season at NCAA Division I North Dakota State University
Third team NJCAA All-American and 2-time all-region performer at Bismarck State College
Played with the Bismarck Larks in the Northwoods League for parts of three seasons

Spencer is a leader on and off the field. He's someone who has a chance to be impactful offensively and defensively. He'll hit in the middle of the order, and brings an advanced level of maturity to the group. An exceptional student, and person who represents our program at a very high level.

Head Coach Tanner Spencer

#22 Austin Wagner (LHP, Fond Du Lac, Wis. / Fond Du Lac HS)

Served as NCAA Division I Abilene Christian’s #1 starter in 2020
Was 6th in NCAA D1 in 2020 in Strikeout-to-walk ratio and was 5th in the Southland Conference in WHIP (0.82) and 10th in ERA (1.96), finishing 2-2 with 22 strikeouts and one walk in 18.1 innings
Led the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders to the 2018 Northwoods League title

Austin has been successful at every stop. Put up really good numbers in a good division 1 conference during the 2020 season. We think he can anchor our pitching staff. He knows his skill set exceptionally well, and has a lot of conviction in what he needs to do to prepare and put us in the best position to win.

Head Coach Tanner Spencer

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON

The UMN Crookston baseball team is coming off an 8-5 mark in a shortened 2020 season. The Golden Eagles have been to the NSIC Tournament three times in the last five seasons. The Golden Eagles return nine players who saw significant time in the field in 2020. In addition, UMN Crookston brings back six of their top pitchers from last season. The Golden Eagles are led in the field by Brock Reller, who hit .360 last season with five home runs and 17 RBIs. Scott Finberg also returns after notching a .383 batting average with 14 runs scored, five home runs and 15 RBIs. Brad Morris also returns after batting .382 with 13 runs scored, and eight RBIs. Jayden Grover leads the pitching staff after setting the career strikeout mark last season. He went 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA with 26 strikeouts and seven walks. Conner Richardson also returns after going 3-0 with a 2.57 ERA with seven strikeouts and five walks.

On paper, it is probably the most talented team we've had in my seven years in Crookston. However, most teams in our conference would probably say the same. We should have good balance up and down our line-up with a combination of power, speed and on-base type of hitters. We also added depth and quality arms to our pitching staff. Most importantly, we just want to give our student-athletes a chance for a little bit of normalcy in what has been a very difficult year.

Head Coach Steve Gust

#20 Brock Reller (OF, Jr., Grand Forks, N.D. / Grand Forks Central HS)

Hit .360 in 2020 with a .860 slugging percentage and a .439 on-base percentage
Scored 15 runs, had five home runs and 17 RBI
Went 4-of-5 with four RBIs in a win over USciences
Had a 1.299 OPS in 2020

Brock is a big, strong player who generates a lot of power with his swing. He has progressively improved throughout his time in Crookston. He has always had the physical tools but he has worked hard to add a mental component to his game. He also has an above average arm and can run for a big guy. He has everything it takes to be one of the all-around best players in the conference.

Head Coach Steve Gust

#35 Jayden Grover (RHP, Cooperstown, N.D. / Griggs County Central HS)

Pitched 23.1 innings in 2020
Went 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA
Set the school career strikeout mark and notched a school-record 14 strikeouts in a win over Saint Anselm
Had 26 strikeouts and just seven walks in 2020

Jayden has been a steady force for us since his freshman year. He isn't overpowering but can throw all of his pitches for strikes and competes as well as anyone on the mound. He is a quiet leader and works hard to improve every aspect of his game. We are excited to see his continued growth in his fifth year with our program.

Head Coach Steve Gust

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

Having played only eight games before their season became a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Minnesota Duluth Baseball team is ready to get back on the field in 2021. The Bulldogs return 29 letter winners including senior captain Henry George and senior captain Mitchell Waletzki. George started all eight games in the abridged 2020 season and hit .333 with two doubles and two runs batted in. He also carried a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and slugged at a .429 mark. Waletzki, in limited innings, recorded a 1-1 record in 2020. He also recorded 12 strikeouts and held opponents to a sub .250 batting average against. The Bulldogs also return junior right hander Liam Blaschko. In the shortened 2020 season, Blaschko carried a 3.18 earned run average, recorded one save, and struck out six batters in five and two-thirds innings. Having graduated only one member of last year's pitching staff, UMD stands to have more familiarity and a veteran presence on the mound in 2021. Back again in 2020 is junior C/1B/OF Tosten Mann, who started all seven games he appeared in carrying a .308 batting average, sophomore infielder/pitcher Alex Watterman, who started all eight games in 2020, and senior pitcher/infielder Brodie Paulson who played in all six games he started. The Bulldogs head to Concordia-St. Paul on March 20-21 to open the NSIC campaign.

We have more depth with experience at positions that were thin last year. This will enable us to be better prepared for the unseen challenges each season produces. Having only graduated one pitcher from last year's team, the pitching staff expects to be a competitive leader for this year's team. Overall, we will be thankful for any opportunity to compete this spring.

Head Coach Bob Rients

#2 Henry George (OF, Sr., Woodbury, Minn. / New Life Academy)

2020 - .333 Avg, 2 RBI, .429 Slg%, 1-1 SB, 15 Putouts, 1.000 FLD%
2019 .388 Avg, 19 RBI, .480 Slg% 19-23 SB, 96 Putouts, 73 TB (T-1)
Team Captain in 2021
2019 2nd team All-NSIC selection

Henry is disciplined in his approach and effort both on and off the field. He is a mature student-athlete and positive example for everyone in our program.

Head Coach Bob Rients

#10 Liam Blaschko (RHP, Sr., Wabasha, Minn. / Wabasha-Kellogg HS)

2020 - 3.18 ERA, 3 Appearances, 1 SV, 6K's, 5.2 IP
2019 3.89 ERA 12 Appearances, 1 SV, 26 K's (T-2), 34.2 IP
Will be the most experienced and versatile pitcher on the 2021 staff

Liam's is the most versatile pitcher in our program whose impact reaches well beyond stats. He is a dependable player & person that has improved each year and whom we expect to rely heavily on for this year's success.

Head Coach Bob Rients

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

As was the case with every baseball program in the country, Minnesota State’s season came to a halt in March with the 2020 just underway. The Mavericks, a perennial NCAA Division II power, ended the year with an 8-5 mark. The good news coming out of last year is that several members of that team return for 2021 primed to challenge for a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship and a run at the NCAA DII tournament.

Chief amongst the returnees is junior outfielder/righthanded pitcher Cam Kline. A First Team All-American in 2019 when he fashioned a 10-2 record and a 2.47 ERA, Kline heads into 2021 owning a .348 batting average. Other pitching returnees include sophomore righthander Jack Zigan (career 11-4, 3.51 ERA), junior righthander Jimmy Larson (All-NSIC in 2019 with 6-4 record and 2.43 ERA), senior righthander Jon Ludwig (career 9-5, 2.78 ERA). Senior Teddy Petersen (NCBWA Honorable Mention All-America in 2019, career .319 with eight home runs and 74 RBI) and sophomore Nick Altermatt (.3252 as a freshman in 2019, All-Region and NSIC Freshman of the Year) anchor the infield.

Head coach Matt Magers enters his 13th year in charge of the Mavericks owning a 466-151 overall record for a .755 winning percentage. Magers, a former pro pitcher who spent two and half years in the Chicago Cubs system, to ten NCAA postseason tournament appearances, four NCAA DII regional titles and a second-place national finish in 2013.

I'm excited about our 2021 team. It is a resilient group with depth at many key positions. It begins with our upperclassman who have played in many big games. We feel a number of newcomers will step in immediately and contribute in several different ways.

Head Coach Matt Magers

#9 Cam Kline (OF, Sr., Stacy, Minn. / Forest Lake HS)

2019 D2CCA 1st All-American
2019 ABCA/Rawlings 1st All-Region, D2CCA 1st All-Region, NCBWA 1st All-Region
2019 NSIC 1st Team
Appeared in 45 games in 2019...Pitched in 13 games, 10-2, 2.47 ERA, 112 Ks, 80 IP
Hit team-high .386 in 2019, .719 slugging percentage, .486 on-base percentage, 36 RBI, 12 2b, 4 3b, 6 HR, 36 RBI

Cam has the unique athletic ability to be able to help the team in the field, at the plate, and on the mound. He can hit for average, power, and has an above average arm in the outfield.

Head Coach Matt Magers

#29 Jon Ludwig (RHP, Plymouth, Minn. / Osseo HS)

Made three starts on the hill with an 0-1 record and a 3.38 ERA, a team high 24 strikeouts and six walks in 18.2 innings of work in 2020
In 2019, garnered 2019 All-NSIC First Team honors; was named NSIC Player of the Week on March 4th
In 2019, appeared in nine games (five starts); compiled a 6-1 record, with a 1.94 ERA
Added 56 strikeouts, 8 walks, 11 runs and an opponent batting average of .189 in 46.1 innings pitched

Jon is the leader of our pitching staff having filled many roles throughout his career. He has tremendous mound presence and the ability to locate three different at any time during the count.

Head Coach Matt Magers

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

The Beavers baseball team started off the 2020 season on good footing as they split a series with No. 3 nationally ranked Colorado Mesa. The team was 8-6 overall prior to the remainder of the season being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Noah Myhre was named NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week for his no-hitter against Missouri Western on Feb. 21, 2020. During that outing, he struck out seven over 7.0 innings. This was just one example of the potential that the pitching staff possesses for the Beavers heading into the 2021 season. Junior left-handed pitcher RJ Martinez delivered impressive innings over the summer in the Northwoods League, LHP Zach Newman, who tossed 16.0 innings with 12 strikeouts in an abbreviated season a year ago, returns to add to the depth of front-line rotation hurlers that will look to dominate during the upcoming campaign. The lineup will be led by sophomore Jackson Pokorney out of an athletic powerhouse, Mater Dei High School in Southern California. Pokorney slashed an impressive .352/.667/.429 during the abbreviated season and the switch-hitting outfielder had a hit in 12 out of the 14 games played last year. The Beavers are a full season removed for their 2019 NSIC Regular Season Championship and will continue to build toward another postseason appearance and work to earn a berth into the NCAA Tournament with an experienced roster returning for 2021.

This is the most dynamic offense we have had here with a good balance of speed and power. The lineup should be a deep and tough to contain 3-4 times through the order. On the mound we are the deepest. We have some high end arms, but our biggest strength relies in our depth of arms 1-14 to get big outs. Our back end of the pen will be a strength again for us this year. Defensively we are going to be much improved in all 4 spots up the middle.

Head Coach Scott Eul

#10 Jackson Pokorney (OF, So., Evansville, Ind. / Mater Dei HS)

Had a breakout year in an abbreviated season (14 games), hitting a team-leading .352 (19x54).
Led the team with five doubles, four home runs, and 15 RBI during his sophomore season.
Slashed a .667 slugging percentage, .429 on-base percentage, and a team-best 1.096 OPS.
Was successful in six out of seven stolen base attempts.

Jackson is one of the most dynamic players you will find. He is a switch hitting center fielder with some pop from both sides of the plate and really good bat to ball skills. Jackson was drafted out of HS and played a year in the ATL Braves system before joining us. We are expecting big things from Jackson this spring.

Head Coach Scott Eul

#21 Noah Myhre (RHP, Chandler, Ariz. / LA Valley JC)

Dominated during his abbreviated season in 2020, making three starts but tossed a 7.0-inning no-hitter with seven strikeouts against Missouri Western on Feb. 21.
Named NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 24, following the no-hitter against Missouri Western.
Struck out 19 batters in 15.1 innings pitched in his first season with the Beavers after transferring from Los Angeles Valley College.

Noah was off to a really nice start last year, including throwing a No Hitter against Missouri Western. Noah has dominant stuff and is still learning how to use it. When he puts it all together he has a chance to really dominate. Noah works hard and is ready to take the next step to lead for us.

Head Coach Scott Eul

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Wolves are coming off their interrupted spring 2020 season, where they held a 1-12 record through the first 13 non-conference games. Northern ended the year with an 11-7 victory over No. 6 St. Cloud State. NSU returns 28 from a season ago, including NSIC Preseason Player and Pitcher to Watch Spencer Sarringar and Seth Brewer. In addition, the Wolves welcome 12 newcomers to the roster, with a mixture of both freshman and junior college transfers. Northern is currently set to open the season versus Wayne State in NSIC action on March 20 and 21, however they are working to schedule non-conference games in March at US Bank Stadium.

After having our season cut short last year I am just excited to have the opportunity to go and compete with this group. This is a tremendous group of young men and I know they are extremely excited for the chance to line up on the field again. We have a great mix of young and old on this team with some tremendous leadership happening. I am looking forward to going to battle with this team.

Head Coach Dean Berry

#19 Spencer Sarringar (C, So., Pierre S.D. / T.F. Riggs HS)

Hit .355 through 13 games in 2020
Tallied 11 hits, including two extra base knocks, four stolen bases, and two RBI
Recorded a .311 batting average and .975 fielding percentage in 2019 as a redshirt freshman
Defensively did not give up an error and caught six runners stealing from behind the plate

Spencer has been in our program now for 3 years and has turned himself into a leader in our program. He is the type of player you want all of your players to be. Spencer has represented Northern State very well on and off the field and in the classroom. This kid is a special athlete and is one of the hardest workers we have. Above everything else he is a tremendous teammate.

Head Coach Dean Berry

#16 Seth Brewer (RHP, Rapid City, S.D. / Rapid City Stevens HS)

Threw ten innings for the Wolves in two games in 2020
Recorded 11 strikeouts and a .270 opponent batting average
Tallied 4.2 scoreless innings of worth versus Regis, giving up just two hits and striking out six
Previously to NSU, Brewer was an all-conference performer at Bismarck State College

I am very excited to see what Seth will do for our program. He is a tremendous athlete that competes his tail off every time out. His work ethic has set him apart and has prepared him for the upcoming season. His drive to be successful has been a constant since showing up on campus and Seth has proven to be a phenomenal teammate as well.

Head Coach Dean Berry

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

After a season cut short by the CoVID-19 pandemic, USF returns nine of its top 10 batters and seven of its top eight pitchers. So as Head Coach Grant Hieb looks forward to 2021, he does so with a team full of talent. While USF is picked to finished 13th, they will look to build on a 5-8 season which included a win over No. 7 Ashland, in the season finale from 2020. USF, which opens the season against Truman State in Kirksville, Mo., on March 12-14 (four-game series), will be led by junior shortstop Grant Lung, named by the NSIC as a Player to Watch, who has a .258 career average, 18 stolen bases, 53 RBI and 27 multi-hit games. Sophomore outfielder Connor King hit .390 in the shortened season a year ago with 10 RBI and six steals. Senior Ryan Bernardy hit .325 a year ago and has 11 home runs, 15 multi-hit games and 43 career RBI. Also back is Jacob Binsfield (.313 avg., seven RBI) Brennan Albert (.298, 12 RBI) and Zane Butts (.239, 11 RBI). NSIC Pitcher to Watch Alex Krout (2-0, 4 A, 18.1 I, 11 Ks) runs as part of a veteran staff. Jack Blogg (0.00 ERA, 4A, 8.2 I), Payton Livingston (2.45 ERA, 1-0, 7.1 I), Matt Graham (1-1, 5A, 17I, 16Ks – 4-7 career, 52Ks) and several others are back to form a solid staff. With several newcomers adding to the mix, USF is poised to make some noise this spring.

This is the most talented group I’ve had in my short time as the Head Coach at the University of Sioux Falls. I have an experienced group and am returning almost my entire starting lineup from last season. We ended the shortened 2020 season with a big win against a top ten opponent and I’m hoping that’s a sign of good things to come for this year.

Head Coach Grant Hieb

#14 Grant Lung (SS, Jr., Peoria, Ariz. / Liberty HS)

Hitting .258 with 95 hits, including 27 career extra base hits
Registered 18 stolen bases and 52 runs scored in 106 starts
Has four home runs, 53 RBI, 27 multi-hit games & 13 multi-RBI games

Grant is entering his fourth year as the starting shortstop. He’s turned into a great leader for our ballclub and last spring helped us get off to the best start we’ve had since I’ve been the Head Coach. Grant was tied for the team lead in extra-base hits last spring and also had a walk-off base hit to beat #9 Ashland University in our last game before our season was canceled. I am excited to see him play this spring.

Head Coach Grant Hieb

#47 Alex Krout (RHP, Mesa, Ariz. / Highland HS)

In one season at USF was 2-0 with a 3.44 ERA
Recorded 18.1 innings in shortened season due to CoVID-19 and had 11 strikeouts
Registered one save and held opponents to a .274 average

This will be Alex’s second year at USF after transferring in from a junior college. Last spring he was quickly turning into our ace on the mound before being shutdown after our Florida trip. Alex was 2-0 on in the shortened season. He won his first game as the starting pitcher and picked up his second one in relief throwing the last 4 innings against #9 Ashland University. He’ll be a guy that we’ll rely on in all types of situations again this spring.

Head Coach Grant Hieb

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

The 2020 Mustangs baseball team was a veteran squad and was off to a 6-5 start before the season was canceled. Despite graduating a strong group of seniors from last season’s team, the 2021 Mustangs feature 18 returning letter winners, including numerous with a plethora of experience. The pitching staff is led by junior left-hander John Bezdicek, who has led the team in strikeouts the past two seasons. In three starts in 2020, Bezdicek had a 2.00 ERA in 18 innings with 29 strikeouts. Junior right-hander Jeremiah Van De Steeg recorded 12 strikeouts and a 2.92 ERA in two starts in his first season with the club. Junior right-hander Jake Wensmann returns after ranking second in innings pitched in 2020, while senior left-hander Teddy Broxterman also returns after appearing in three games last season. Broxterman appeared in a team-high 14 games during the 2019 season. The SMSU offense returns several of its top hitters from last season’s abbreviated season. Senior shortstop Nathan Kuhn batted .385 with six RBI, while sophomore infielder Kip Gronholz hit .455 with four stolen bases. Both players led the team in 2020 with 15 base hits. Junior first baseman Matt Bezdicek batted. 303 and tied for the team lead with three doubles in 2020, while senior catcher Derek Smith is also back after batting .346 with two doubles and one triple last spring. Sophomore outfielder Andy Andresen hit .276 last season, while junior third baseman Jake Hendricks is also back after leading the 2019 team with 22 RBIs and a team-high 10 doubles.

We have balance. We have some pitching depth and can play defense. We have a mix of older and younger players. Offensively, we will battle throughout the line-up.

Head Coach Paul Blanchard

#6 Nathan Kuhn (2B, Sr., Eagan, Minn. / Eagan HS)

Three-year starter at shortstop and has a career .298 batting average with 17 doubles
Started 10 games in 2020, batting .385 and tied for the team lead with 15 hits
Recorded three doubles, one triple and scored seven runs in 2020
Also recorded a team-high 20 total bases last season and had four multi-hit games

Nathan is a great leader with a tremendous work ethic. He has our highest baseball IQ and is an academic All-Region recipient. He's our most consistent hitter with the best approach at the plate.

Head Coach Paul Blanchard

#22 John Bezdicek (LHP, Sr., Plymouth, Minn. / Osseo HS)

Three-year starter, having appeared in 23 games with 21 starts with a 3.91 career ERA
Named CoSIDA Academic first team All-District in 2020
Started three games last season and finished tossing 18 innings, recording 29 strikeouts and just two walks with a 2.00 ERA
Begins 2021 season ranking first in team history with 11.06 strikeouts per nine innings and is tied for seventh with 147 strikeouts

John possesses a tremendous work ethic and has earned the right to be successful. He's an academic All-Conference performer. He has improved each year with us as his command has improved so much. He's the leader of our pitching staff.

Head Coach Paul Blanchard

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

St. Cloud State brings a deep roster loaded with experienced players and transfers looking to establish themselves into 2021. The Huskies have made five straight NCAA Central Region Tournaments, and under head coach Pat Dolan’s 14-year tenure they have appeared in nine regionals. At the plate, the Huskies will be led by first baseman Jake Shusterich (.869 OPS, 4 HR, 14 RBI), outfielders Lenny Walker (.317/.440/.463, 4 2B, 4 SB), John Nett (.357/.455/.429, 3 SB) and Matt Quade along with transfers Paul Steffensen, Max Gamm, Tate Wallat and first-year Caleb Marquez. Steffensen has played in 114 games collegiately between Mesa College and Tennessee Tech, owning a .357/.409/.530 triple slash with 27 doubles, 13 triples, seven homers, 92 runs scored and 82 RBI over 470 plate appearances. With pitching typically a strength of the Huskies program, lefthanders Matt Osterberg (1-1, 2.84 ERA, 3 GS, 19.0 ip, 24:6 K:BB) and Shannon Ahern (3-0, 2.63 ERA, 3 G, 13.2 ip, 15:4 K:BB) will front the staff along with Riley Ahern, Trevor Koenig and Fabian Villegas. Osterberg, last season’s opening day starter, posted a brilliant 2019 campaign in which he started 8 games and went 5-2 with a 3.35 ERA while punching out 55 (26.2%) and walking just 16 (7.6%) over 48.1 innings pitched. SCSU’s defense is sure to impress with Kyle Rodriguez, Gamm, Wallat and Shusterich patrolling the infield; Nett, Steffensen, Walker and Quade manning the outfield and Drew Bulson, Ean Von Wald, Reid Conlee and Marquez behind the plate.

With graduating 15 seniors in 2019 we had to reload with a lot of quality transfers, and with last year cut short after 14 games it's given us one extra full year to get everybody ready and build on our Husky culture. With a solid recruiting class and some solid redshirts this combination excites us for a strong season.

Head Coach Pat Dolan

#16 Jake Shusterich (1B, Jr., Nipomo, Calif. / Arroyo Grande HS)

Led St. Cloud State in home runs (4) and RBI (14) while starting all 14 games last season
Slashed .250/.327/.542 for an .869 OPS
Over his three-year collegiate career including two seasons at Allan Hancock College owns a .315/.415/.573 slash line for a .988 OPS over 78 games and 318 plate appearances with 22 doubles, a triple, 15 home runs, 70 RBI and a .422 wOBA
Finished in the top three in each of the Western State-North Triple Crown categories as a freshman in junior college
Named one of SCSU’s four captains in 2021

Jake is true team player that just got selected as a team captain. He's a power hitter that hits to all fields. He will hit clean up for the Huskies.

Head Coach Pat Dolan

#12 Matt Osterberg (LHP, Coleman, Wis. / Coleman HS)

1-1 with a 2.84 ERA, 1.57 FIP, 1.053 WHIP, 25.3% K rate, 4.0% BB rate and a .578 opponent OPS across three starts and 19.0 innings pitched in 2020
Has gone 9-5 in 26 appearances and 16 starts, tossing 109.2 frames to the tune of a 3.69 ERA and a 3.19 FIP with a 116:39 (23.8%/8.0%) K:BB ratio and a .687 opponent OPS over his three-year career
Served as St. Cloud State’s Opening Day Starter in 2020
Worked his first collegiate complete-game shutout on February 25, 2020 against Northern State, carving up the Wolves with 7.0 innings of three-hit, two-walk baseball while striking out eight batters

Matt is a hard throwing left handed pitcher that has accomplished a lot in both his SCSU and NWL career. He will be the Huskies opening day starter. He is a true competitor on the mound and the bigger the game the better he is.

Head Coach Pat Dolan

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

Upper Iowa is thrilled to get back on the diamond after a shortened 2020 season. Head Coach Jeremy Ische enters his third year at the helm of the team in 2021. The Peacocks finished 2020 with a 1-13 overall record. In 14 non-conference games, Upper Iowa won their season-opener against Truman State University before dropping 13 straight. The team played in five games with a margin of three or less runs recording a 1-4 mark in those decisions. Offensive leader AJ Friedrich and NSIC Player to Watch, returns to the lineup this season. Friedrich led the team in average (.318) and runs batted in (11), hits (14), doubles (4), and walks (6) along with seven other categories. The junior recorded a four-hit game, scored once and drove in another in a high-scoring afternoon against Truman State last spring. Kyle Routhieaux will help bolster the Peacocks’ lineup. Routhieax appeared in nine games last season starting six in which he hit .300 with six hits including a home run and a double in addition to scoring three runs. UIU will also return Jake Hilmer, a two-way player who missed part of the 2020 campaign due to obligations with the Upper Iowa men’s basketball team. Hilmer hit .400 in three starts as an outfielder, scored three runs, and registered four hits including a home run and a double. On the mound, Hilmer maintained a 5.40 ERA over two starts allowing just seven earned runs while ringing up 17, 11 of which came in 7.1 innings of work in a 5-2 loss to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Blake Theisse, UIU’s NSIC Pitcher to Watch, leads the Peacocks rotation on the mound. Theisse held opposing batters to a .281 average and struck out 16 in three games played during the 2020 season. UIU also welcomes back Duncan Snider (11 IP, 9 Ks), Jason Katz (10.1 IP, 6 Ks) and Colin Lacey (13.1 IP, 19 Ks) to help lead the pitching staff. Lacey came into the 2019 season as UIU’s NSIC Pitcher to Watch while Snider held the honor headed into the 2020 campaign.

We are excited to get back on the field after a shortened 2020 season. We have some intriguing pieces who are prepared including 13 seniors. We are most excited about the improvement of UIU Baseball from the fall and look forward to competing in the 2021 spring season!

Head Coach Jeremy Ische

#29 AJ Friedrich (1B, Jr., Waconia, Minn. /Waconia HS)

Hit .318 for UIU with 14 hits including four doubles and two home runs
Scored four runs and drove in 11
Recorded a .976 fielding percentage at first base with 80 putouts, three assists, and only two errors
Led UIU in 12 categories including batting average, on-base percentage, hits, RBI, walks, putouts, and fielding double plays

AJ is a great kid who has a knack for finding the barrel and competing in the batters box. We look for him to produce offensively and be a mainstay in our lineup.

Head Coach Jeremy Ische

#7 Blake Thiesse (RHP, Trempealeau, Wis. / Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau HS)

Allowed 14 earned runs in 14.2 innings while striking out 16 batters
Opponents hit just .281 against him with 18 hits including only four doubles, a triple, and four home runs
Led UIU in three categories including innings pitched and games started
Held a 5.40 ERA and recorded 23 strikeouts in 50.0 innings pitched during the 2019 campaign

Blake is a very competitive young man with a great skill set. He has great ability and has shown a desire to continue to improve and lead our pitching staff. He has added some consistency with a 3rd pitch this fall and plays with confidence. We look for him to be at the top of our rotation come conference play.

Head Coach Jeremy Ische

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

The Wayne State College baseball team returns a wealth of experience from last year’s team that was 8-7 and had just wrapped up their annual spring break trip to Florida when the remainder of the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19. Junior infielder Andrew Hanson is a two-time All-NSIC selection and was off to a .343 start with nine doubles, four homers and 15 RBI in 15 games last season. Senior outfielder Brendan Madsen hit .410 in 15 games last season and had 14 RBI from the leadoff spot. Junior outfielder Alex Logelin hit .369 last season with 11 doubles, two homers and 10 RBI while senior first baseman Bryce Bisenius had seven homers and 19 RBI last season. The Wildcat pitching staff is also armed with plenty of experience. Sophomore Ryan Obrecht was First Team All-NSIC as a freshman (7-2, 2.04 ERA in 2019) and 2-0 in five games during the shortened 2020 season. Seniors Hunter Wienhoff (2-0, 3.66 ERA in 2020) and Aidan Breedlove (0-1, 3.20 ERA in four starts) are both four year starters for the Wildcats. WSC also returns several relievers and mid-week starters to give them plenty of pitching depth for the 2021 campaign. Wayne State is slated to open the season Feb. 19 at Newman in Kansas for a four-game series before conference play begins in March.

Our program has a lot of leaders back from the previous year. Along with the talent we bring back a lot of experience. Success in baseball starts on the mound and a lot of that experience will be at that position. We have a very gritty team that will go in and compete every day.

Head Coach Alex Koch

#9 Andrew Hanson (OF, Jr., Burnsville, Minn. / Burnsville HS)

Two-time All-NSIC selection (2nd Team – 2019, 1st Team – 2018)
2019 D2CCA and NCBWA All-Central Region 2nd Team
Hit .343 with nine doubles, four HR and 15 RBI in shortened 2020 season

Andrew has been a 3 year starter for us and has been an impact player since day one. Andrew is the ultimate athlete. We feel comfortable putting him anywhere on the ball field. He will move from middle infield to the outfield this year and still be successful.

Head Coach Alex Koch

#7 Ryan Obrecht (RHP, Omaha, Neb. / Millard North HS)

First Team All-NSIC in 2019 as freshman
2019 D2CCA All-Central Region 2nd Team
9-2 career record
2-0 in shortened 2020 season with 3.55 ERA, 13 K’s

Ryan has been an impact on the mound since he stepped on campus. As a freshmen he lead our team in many categories. Ryan is mature beyond his years and handles himself like an upper classmen. Ryan is a kid that shows no emotion and is a grinder on the mound. I look forward to watching him compete this year.

Head Coach Alex Koch

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Winona State University baseball team is eager to get started on the 2021 season, as the Warriors bring a blend of experience and new talent to Loughrey Field. Head coach Kyle Poock’s WSU team was 6-9 on the abbreviated 2019-20 campaign and had just completed their spring trip when the pandemic halted the season, but several individuals were finding their form and return this year to pick up where they left off.

Playing in 14 contests last year, Zac Stange hit .396 for the season, with a slugging percentage of .604 to lead the Warriors, while also being a perfect 4-for-4 in stolen base attempts. Teammate Sam Kohnle hit .407 with hits and 13 RBIs, both top marks in the squad: he a .955 on-base-percentage, with 24 total hits, appearing in all 15 games. Both veterans have had solid off seasons, are and primed for strong 2021 campaign.

On the mound, the Warrior staff will look to Kyle Gendron to lead the way and factor in key contests. The junior from Silver Lake, Wis. is leader on and off the field and will be looked to for a strong spring season. In 2020, Dillon Whittaker threw over 15 innings for Winona State, striking out 16 and will be a key part of the rotation this season, while fellow returner Austin Savary had four appearance and two starts for the Warriors in 2020.

The Warriors will start the spring season on Feb. 27 at McKendree, marking Poock’s 19th season at the helm.

It is always exciting to get on the baseball field in the spring. We are looking forward to being back together as a team after 11 months away from outside competition. Hopefully the weather cooperates.

Head Coach Kyle Poock

#22 Zac Stange (2B, Sr., Eau Claire, Wis. / Eau Claire North HS)

Led Winona State in terms of slugging percentage at .604, while hitting .396 in 2020
In 2019, batted .271 (39-144) with five doubles and a homer
In 2019, totaled 19 RBI and 34 runs scored and led the team and ranked fifth in the NSIC in walks (36)

Zac is a great student/athlete and a team leader. He has excelled on the field and in the classroom in his time at Winona. He's someone other players gravitate to and really enjoy being around. We are excited to have Zac lead us this spring.

Head Coach Kyle Poock

#19 Kyle Gendron (RHP, Silver Lake, Wis. / Wilmot Union HS)

Struck out 16 batters in 21 innings pitched last year
In 2019, made nine appearances (8 starts) on the mound as a rookie
In 2019, posted a 3-5 record with a 5.22 ERA (29 ER/50.0 IP) and struck out 30 batters while issuing just 12 walks

Kyle has been impressive as a person and player since he stepped on campus. He does a great job of leading by example and has set the tone on how to work hard for our pitching staff. We expect him to pitch in a lot of big games for us this spring.

Head Coach Kyle Poock

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