Big Sky Times

Season Preview: 2023 Yellowjacket Baseball

With the roster set and the start of the season just weeks away, the Montana state University Billings baseball team prepares to enter the 2023 campaign.

 

The Yellowjackets are coming off a solid 2022 season in which they finished 26-27 overall, and third in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference after going 16-16 in league play. This was good enough for the 'Jackets to qualify for the GNAC Championships, where they went 1-2, falling just short of a chance to play for the conference tournament title. MSUB was ranked in a tie for third in the GNAC preseason coaches' poll released in January.

 

Head coach Derek Waddoups enters his fourth season at the helm of the Yellowjackets baseball program, and is excited about the character and talent of his current group. "I love this group. I have been impressed with the work ethic our team shows on and off the field.  We have a very talented group of baseball players but even more importantly a wonderful group of young men" stated Waddoups. 

 

The Yellowjackets commence a full, 50 game schedule on Tuesday, February 7th in California, taking on Cal State Los Angeles in a two-game series. The 'Jackets full 2023 schedule can be found online here.

 

"After splitting a four-game series with Cal State LA last spring, we look to play more consistent baseball." Waddoups said. "We want to come out and play clean baseball. "I believe our team has shown good maturity in our early season training. We are prepared." 

 

The 'Jackets follow those games up with four matchups against Cal State San Marcos, playing six games across the next five days to open the season. "Six games in five days will be a blast." Commented Waddoups. "It will present its challenges, but our next man up mentality will be put to the test. We train our guys to step up when they get the opportunity to. Specifically on the mound, we will get opportunities for different dudes to step up. I am so excited to watch our guys compete." 

 

The 'Jackets bid farewell to a few key contributors from last season's lineup. Chief among them the GNAC freshman of the year and first team all-GNAC shortstop Cooper Dulich, who transferred to Division 1 Creighton University. He led MSUB last season in average (.355), on base % (.454), while finishing second in hits (54), RBIs (36) and steals (8). Aside from Dulich, the 'Jackets graduated Dominick Buso, who started 40 games in the outfield last season, PJ Ausmus, who hit .306 in a utility infielder role, and Justin Lutz, who hit for six home runs and 33 RBIs in his Yellowjacket career.

 

But the Yellowjackets return many of their key hitters from last season. Seniors Carson Green and Hayden Foltz return to the outfield, both coming off second team all-GNAC selections. Green, who primarily hit in the leadoff spot for the 'Jackets last season, batted .314, smacking eight home runs and 35 RBIs to go with ten steals. Foltz was the team leader in RBIs with 43, batting .294 and playing right field. They'll be joined in the outfield this season by returners Payton Flynn, Diego Hernandez and Cory Brownson, Jack Nehler, and welcome transfer Andrew Astin from College of Southern Idaho, where he batted .319 with two home runs and 38 RBIs during his 2022 campaign.

 

In the infield, the 'Jackets return the talents of first team all-GNAC second baseman Tyler Godfrey, who hit .284 in his first season with the 'Jackets. Godfrey had one of the highlight moments of the season last year when he hit two walk-off hits on the same day against Western Oregon.

 

Alongside him is first baseman James Anderson, coming off a season where he hit .281, with eight home runs and 35 RBIs. Anderson led the 'Jackets in walks last season with 38. The 'Jackets also return Bodee Wright, who was hitting .308 with a .410 on base % until an injury halted his season. Mitch Winter will provide depth at 1B, along with continuing to provide a power bat as DH. Winter was first team all-GNAC last season after leading the 'Jackets in home runs with ten.  Freshman infielder Colby Kiesling is another young first baseman with plus barrel speed and an opportunity to impact the Jackets lineup. 

 

In terms of newcomers, the 'Jackets added four players from community colleges who all can play the infield. Parker Bleggi spent last season at Treasure Valley Community College, where he hit .330 in his lone season there. Meanwhile, Zach Blaszak joins after two years at Salt Lake Community College, where he was selected to the all-region first team each year. Cole Dawson enters the program from Kansas City Kansas Community College, and Kaden Kirshenbaum from Skagit Valley Community College.

 

Behind the dish, the 'Jackets return catcher AJ Wagenmann, who hit 4 home runs last season while splitting catching duties. MSUB also has two new additions in Keegan Weston and Brock Molenda, both of whom can work behind the plate. Molenda is coming off a great offensive fall and the 'Jackets look for him to be a key offensive contributor. 

 

"We are athletic and dynamic as an offense." Said Waddoups. "Our strength will be found in our offensive depth. We have power and speed that can impact the game in a variety of ways. The most exciting part of the position player group may be the defensive ability we have. I am excited to see this group play and compete."

 

The pitching staff is where the 'Jackets will see the most turnover. They graduated Dylan Barkley, who ranks third all-time in MSUB history for wins, and fourth in strikeouts. Gone with him are last season's starters Matthew Houlihan, an all-GNAC second team selection last season, and Connor Redmond. Out of the bullpen the 'Jackets saw Tyler Elliot and Brooks Zimmer finish their careers, both inside the top ten for saves in the history of the program.

 

The 'Jackets return Jackson Betancourt, who started ten games in the 2022 season. They also bring back several talents from last year's bullpen. Blake Rainey pitched in 13 games last season, totaling a 6.12 ERA. Ty Wilson averaged a strikeout an inning and looks to continue to cement himself in his second year at MSUB. The Yellowjackets also return pitchers Sage Wayment, Hunter Runion, Michael Buchanan, Trevor Cassell, and Nolan Thebiay, all who saw innings last season for the 'Jackets. Returner Blake Murray will be a key contributor out of the bullpen, and can play the field, seeing time in the outfield and at catcher last season.

 

Meanwhile MSUB rosters a bunch of new pitchers looking to make an impact. Headlining that group is Daniel Naughton. The Gonzaga transfer projects to be a top arm for the 'Jackets, and one of the more experienced pitchers after playing four years for the Zags, highlighted by an impressive 2021 season where he finished with a 3.06 ERA in twelve appearances.

 

Andy Evans comes from Spokane Falls Community College, where in seven games last season (six starts) He had a 4-1 record with a 1.98 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 27 innings. Also coming from SFCC is Jake Finkelstein. Hunter Smith appeared in three games for Salt Lake Community College last season, and never allowed a run.

Cy Miller comes from Miles City Community College. The Helena native appeared in 17 games, collecting a save and a 3.51, and figures to be a big arm in the 'Jackets bullpen. The same can be said for Cole Bertram. The righty had a 4.12 ERA last season for Lower Columbia Community College, totaling four scoreless appearances.

 

The 'Jackets are excited for the freshman campaign of local Billings product Lance Schaff. Schaff was a standout for the Billings Royals and will look to continue his dominance on the mound. Tyler Child is another freshman that will have an impact for the team as a freshman. 

 

"The depth of this staff is as good I we have had since I have been here." Said Waddoups. "Coach (Matt) Hape has done an outstanding job recruiting and developing the group. I love the competitive nature of this group. It will be fun to watch as they grow into their roles."

 

Waddoups believes that this group is a special bunch both on and off the field. "From the classroom GPA, to serving at Landon's Legacy, and to how the guys compete in ping pong and pickleball. This group has a special bond, and gets after it in the weight room. The positive energy amongst the group inspires me. I believe 2023 will be a special one for the 'Jackets baseball family." 

 

THE BUZZ: Live video and statistics for all MSUB baseball games can be found online here. All home games will be streamed live on the MSUB Sports YouTube channel. The 'Jackets first home games of the season are scheduled for March 17-18, in a series versus GNAC opponent Saint Martin's University. Tickets for all home games, primarily played at Dehler Park, will be available both online and for $5 at the gate. Admission is free for all children 8th grade and under, as well as for MSUB students and staff who present their MSUB I.D. Coach Waddoups also invites all community members to join the Dugout Club to support the Yellowjackets student-athletes and to receive your season tickets. 

Original source can be found here.