ELLENSBURG, Wash — The Central Washington University Baseball Team begins the 2025 season in Central California, taking on the Warriors of California State University, Stanislaus for a four-game series in Turlock, Calif.

GAME INFORMATION
Friday, January 31
4:00 p.m.
Central Washington vs Stanislaus State
Warrior Field
Turlock, Calif.
WATCH LISTEN LIVE STATS

Saturday, February 1 (Double-Header)
Central Washington vs Stanislaus State
Warrior Field
Turlock, Calif.
1:00 p.m.
WATCH LISTEN LIVE STATS

4:00 p.m.
WATCH LISTEN LIVE STATS

Sunday, February 2
12:00 p.m.
Central Washington vs Stanislaus State
Warrior Field
Turlock, Calif.
WATCH LISTEN LIVE STATS

THE WILDCATS
The Wildcats finished the 2024 season going 21-29 overall and 15-17 in conference play. The Crimson and Black played strong, splitting several series and keeping its season intact. However, Central saw a rough final stretch of the regular season going 2-6 against Montana State Billings and Northwest Nazarene. The 'Cats lost both of their playoff games against first-seeded NNU and second-seeded Western Oregon.

The Wildcats graduated seven seniors this past season and welcomed five freshmen to this year's squad. The freshmen include pitchers: Kaden Haffner, Logan Thompson, Gino Trippy Jr., outfielder: Cam Costello, and catcher: Nolan Mowry. 

Also joining the Crimson and Black are infielders: Justin Birch, and Andre Garza; outfielder: Logan Blank; catcher: Joe Rajo; pitchers: Devin MacWatters, Braden Zadow, Blake Reece, Jaden Anderson, Drake Anderson, Dakota Todd, Braeden Fagnant, and Garet Hagy; and utility athletes: Brandham Ponce and Dallas Kaili.

Seniors Marcus Manzardo, Brady Hinkle, Trenton Love, Noah Juarez, Travis Helm, Daniel Charron, Baba Varner Jr., Jonathan Garza II, Devin MacWatters, Luke VonGoedert, Brandham Ponce, Ben Leid, Jake Felton, Dakota Todd, Dallas Kaili, Gabe Bustamante look to finish their collegiate careers strong with a return trip to the GNAC Tournament.

SCOUTING STANISLAUS STATE
The Warriors kick off their 2025 season with a 14-game homestand beginning with Central on Friday, Jan 31, and ending against Cal State San Bernardino on February 23. Stan State finished the 2024 season with a 19-27-1 overall record and a 15-23 conference record in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

Coach Kenny Leonesio has a seasoned squad coming into this season. Among the team are 20 seniors, 12 juniors, one sophomore transfer, and one freshman.

The Warriors field a strong hitting lineup with six players who hit above .275. These include Ryan Leonesio (.357), Robert Valdivia (.315), Alex Solis (.308), JD Madrigal (.304), Tyler Van Dyk (.289), and Danny Murphy (.278).

Leaders on the mound include junior returnee Austin Balentine, who led the pitching staff with a 7-2 record and two saves. Caleb Bertoncini also performed well with a team-leading 3.96 ERA that complimented his 2-1 record.

The Wildcats and Warriors hit the field on Friday, Jan 31 from Warrior Field with first pitch set for 4:00 p.m.

UP NEXT
The Wildcats head down to Caldwell, Idaho to take on the College of Idaho Coyotes of the NAIA's Cascade Collegiate Conference for a four-game series starting on Friday, Feb 7. First pitch from Wolfe Field is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.