Baseball Picked Second in MASCAC Pre-Season Poll

WESTFIELD, Mass. -- Salem State was picked second in the MASCAC baseball pre-seaon poll as compiled by the league's eight coaches. The defending tournament champions received 38 points, with two first place votes. Westfield State was picked to win their fourth MASCAC baseball title in the past five seasons receiving 47 points with six first place votes.

The Vikings were 5-3 in conference play last season. Salem State will be led by four returning all-conference players, including reigning MASCAC Player of the Year, Zach Piroh. Piroh topped the conference with a .456 batting average and .719 slugging percentage in leading the Vikings to the MASCAC post-season championship. On the mound, first-team selection Jack Sefrino finished 2021 with four wins and a 1.88 ERA in seven appearances, including three complete games and a shutout to earn a spot on the All-Conference team. 

Second baseman Jake Boucher was also named to the all conference first-team after batting .397 batting average while second-teamer Third baseman Christian Burt contributed with a .370 batting average.

Returning for the Owls is All-Conference utility player Casey Boudreau who registered a .416 batting average, .526 on-base percentage, .558 slugging percentage, 32 hits and 20 runs which were top five in the MASCAC.  

2021 MASCAC Regular Season Champs Fitchburg State land in third with 37 points. The Falcons had the best conference record last season at 7-3. Under 2021 Champion's Choice Coach of the Year Shawn Manfredo, Jackson Vail batted .266 with 21 hits, 10 RBI, 13 runs scored and three walks to help the Falcons to the regular season crown. Framingham State and Worcester State share the fourth spot with a 28 point tie.

The Rams were 3-7 while the Lancers 3-5 last season. 2021 Rookie of the Year Scott Nosky is back on the mound for Framingham State after striking out 36 with a 3.71 ERA, three wins, two complete games and a shutout. For Worcester State, Sean Devin returns after hitting .281 with two doubles, two triples, two home runs with nine runs scored, 16 RBI and a .469 slugging percentage.

Also tying for a place in the poll are Bridgewater State and Massachusetts Maritime in sixth with 19 points. The Bears were 4-6 last season during MASCAC play while the Buccaneers competed in eight non-conference games. For Bridgewater State, All-Conference pitcher David Kerns returns after appearing eight games for the Bears with a win, 42 strikeouts and a 2.62 ERA. For the Buccaneers, Zach Sylvia is back after hitting .231 with a.385 slugging percentage, four doubles, three walks and two runs scored.

Closing out the 2022 preseason poll is MCLA in eighth with eight points. Last season outfielder Austin Rachiele batted .286 with two runs scored, two walks, two stolen bases with a .444 on-base percentage. MCLA is the first MASCAC team to get their 2022 season underway on Sunday, February 20 with a game against Yeshiva while the rest of the conference starts their season over the next few weeks.

2022 MASCAC Baseball Pre-Season Coaches Poll (First Place Votes In Parentheses)

1. Westfield State (6) 47 points

2. Salem State (2) 38 points

3. Fitchburg State 37 points

4. Framingham State 28 points

Worcester State 28 points

6. Massachusetts Maritime

19 points Bridgewater State 19 points

8. MCLA 8 points 

The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, the nation's oldest Division III men's and women's playing conference, has a rich and storied tradition of competitive success while celebrating excellence in the classroom. MASCAC member schools include Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University. Two other institutions, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Plymouth State University, are affiliate members of the conference in the sports of football and men's ice hockey, while Western Connecticut State University joined the conference as a football affiliate member in 2013. Dean College, Eastern Nazarene College, Elms College, Mitchell College and Springfield College joined as men's golf affiliates in 2019 and New England College in 2021. 

(MASCAC Sports Information)