2020 Baseball Preview

2020 Baseball Preview

SALEM, Mass. – The Vikings will look to improve upon their fourth place finish from a year ago, and first round loss in the MASCAC post season tournament following an 18-20 campaign (11-10 MASCAC). Despite, losing three all-conference players from last season, fourth-year head coach Al Donovan is optimistic that his team can challenge for the league's crown.  

RETURNING PLAYERS

That optimism begins with Traverse Briana, the 2019 NCAA DIII batting leader. His .528 batting average led the country, and coach Donovan will build his lineup around the potent bat of his senior co-captain. Joining Briana will be co-captain centerfielder Kyle O'Connor, who posted a .292 batting average in 2019. One of the best defensive players in the league, he will anchor a solid outfield group.

Four-year starting catcher Madoc Fisher is back behind the plate to provide veteran leadership. Fisher was fifth on the team, batting .308 a year ago, and will be counted on to provide consistency to the middle of the lineup. His experience will help, as the Vikings' will have to replenish the core of their starting rotation. Seniors Josh Bell, Brian Smith and JP Reiling will be counted on to anchor the rotation.

NEW FACES

Transfers Zach Piroh (Western Connecticut), Ryan Collins (UMASS Boston) and Brian Ortega (Northern Essex) will help improve the middle infield and add to the hitting attack. A large freshman class will be given an opportunity to compete, highlighted by: Jake Boucher - Cheshire, CT (Cheshire Academy), Ernest McClary - Waterbury, CT (Sacred Heart High School), Jack Sefrino - Dartmouth, MA (Bishop Stang), Jimmy Burton - Rutland, MA (Wachusett Regional) and Brock Pare - Lowell, MA (Lowell High). 

COACH'S TAKE

"The coaching staff has high expectations going into this season and expects to see a productive season and competing for the MASCAC Championship.  The team will play its first home game on Saturday February 22nd vs Anna Maria College followed by four more games before heading out to Tucson, AZ for an eight game road trip from March 13th to March 22nd.  The team will have played 14 games before starting the MASCAC conference games against Mass Maritime on March 27th."