ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington Baseball heads to California to face Cal State San Bernardino in a four-game series. The series starts with a lone 5:00 pm game on Thursday, then two games on Friday, and the final game starts on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. Last season, Cal State San Bernardino won all three meetings against Central Washington.

QUOTING HEAD COACH DESI STOREY
"We are looking forward to getting back outside and competing against another solid opponent."

THE WILDCATS
This season, Central Washington boasts a multitude of experience on their roster, with 20 returning players and 12 seniors, as they strive to improve upon their 22-29 overall record and third place finish (16-15) in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

The 'Cats return five key players this season: Austin Ohland, Ben Leid, Travis Helm, Kevin "Baba" Varner Jr., and Trenton Love. Last year, Austin Ohland earned his third straight First Team All-Conference selection and also received NCBWA D2 All-West Region Honorable Mention. Ohland had 43 hits, 10 doubles, and a triple. He added on a team leading eight home runs and drove in 34 runs for the 'Cats.

Senior Outfielder Ben Leid also earned First Team All-Conference Honors in 2023. Leid was the most consistent bat for Central Washington, he hit .339 last season. Ben had 63 hits, 14 doubles, two triples, three home runs, and 34 RBIs.

Travis Helm received the Second Team All-Conference nod last season. Helm averaged.293 at the plate with 49 hits, 12 doubles, a home run, and 38 RBIs. Kevin "Baba" Varner Jr. produced 52 hits, 13 doubles, two home runs, and 23 RBIs last season and Trenton Love had 30 hits, two doubles, and 16 RBIs.

If the 'Cats can get similar if not better offensive production from these five and help the newcomers transition into the system, the team will have success this season.  

PITCHING
The Wildcats return 11 pitchers to the lineup and welcome three new arms.

Central Washington returns lefty Alex Brady who earned All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2023. Brady threw 43.2 innings, held a 4-3 record, and boasted a team-high 38 strikeouts. Daniel Charron was the 'Cats second best pitcher in 2023. Charron started in all 12 of his outings and went 3-4. Daniel struck out 37 batters over 61 innings.

Reid Rasmussen has the potential to be even more of a staple on the mound this season for the Wildcats. In 2023, Rasmussen was 3-2 in 10 starts and 11 appearances. Reid pitched 46.2 innings and fanned 25 batters.
  
NEWCOMERS
The crimson and black welcome twelve new players to the roster. The 'Cats added three freshmen and nine transfers. Freshmen Kellen Berg (INF), Lucas Christensen (P/OF), and Logan Pierce (P) all want to make an impact as they jump from high school to college ball.

Central Washington acquired five infielders from the transfer portal: Marcus Manzardo, Noah Juarez, Carter Marlow, Jake Madson, and Trevor Ridley.

Andrew Sharp and Max Bledy are both catchers. Sharp also plays first base and Bledy is an option in the outfield.

The 'Cats final two transfers are outfielder Ryan McCarthy and pitcher Luke VonGoedert.
 
SCOUTING CAL STATE SAN BERNARDINO
Cal State San Bernardino finished their historic 2023 season 46-19 overall and 26-14 in CCAA play on their way to the DII NCAA College World Series Semifinals in Cary, North Carolina. The Yotes fell 10-8 to Rollins College.

The 2023 team has cemented themselves as the greatest team in program history, collecting a program best 46 wins while breaking 31 school records. In their first time ever making the NCAA Tournament in their 32-year Division II history, the Yotes came just one game short of playing for a national title. The Yotes finished the NCAA Tournament with a record of 8-2, with both losses coming to Rollins in the College World Series.

Cal State San Bernardino picked up where they left off last season sweeping their opening series last week against Colorado Christian. The Yotes punctuated the three-game sweep with a 21-5 victory on Saturday.

Cal State San Bernardino returns their second-best bat from 2023, Giovanni Del Negro. Giovanni averaged.379 at the plate and had 94 hits. Of his 94 hits, he had 16 doubles, three triples, and 15 homers.

Standout Benny Olguin will take the mound again for Cal State San Bernardino this season. Olguin was a perfect 8-0 in 2023. He pitched 68 innings, held an ERA of 3.97, and fanned 74 batters last season.

In the Yotes first series of the 2024 season, Olguin got a start and threw five no-hit innings in the Coyotes's 4-1 win over Colorado Christian. The senior right-hander struck out seven and allowed three baserunners via walks en route to the no-decision. He left the scoreless game after retiring 12 consecutive batters after 57 pitches.

ON DECK
The Wildcats remain in California next week to play Stanislaus State in a four-game series starting on Friday, February 16^th at 5:00 p.m.