WORCESTER, Mass. - The reigning 2017 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) tournament champions, Worcester State University, have been picked to finish third in the MASCAC, as voted on by the coaches from around the league.
Westfield State have been picked to win the 2018 MASCAC baseball championship, while Salem State slid in second place.
This season, the Lancers welcome the target on their backs as they attempt to do what no other team in school history has been able to do, and that is repeat as MASCAC Tournament Champions. They lose eight seniors, but return a number of skilled veterans.
In the infield are returning sophomore starters Ben Palatino (2017 MASCAC & Worcester State Rookie of the Year) who set a school record for putouts at first base and second baseman Kenan Kolanda. In the mix for corner infielders are sophomores Sam Allen and Brandon Devin along with freshman Pat Burke.
Up the middle includes sophomore Dezmond Aguirre and newcomers Cooper Bigelow, Jake Breton, Jackson Leete, and Evan Fritze.
Patrolling the outfield are returning starters junior Mike Ferrara and sophomore Kevin Larkin. Other contributors are QCC transfer junior Patrick Grow plus freshmen William Roberge and Parker Bigelow.
Behind the dish has veterans junior Jimmy Sheehan along with senior Keith Dombroski sophomore Chadd Richardson.
Sophomore Colin Medeiros could see time in the outfield or shortstop.
Atop the pitching staff are juniors Luke Brennan and Kyle Sullivan (2017 MASCAC Tournament MVP). Senior hurlers include Owen Gibbons and Matt Irzyk. Also on the bump will be sophomores Bradleigh Saltsman (2017 MASCAC Sportsmanship Award), Seth Allen, and freshmen Issiac Christiansen, Brian Twomey, Sean Mahan, Ricardo Santana, Ivan Adams, and Kyle Gray. Transfers Ryan Belinskas, Eric Vecsey, Josh Boucher, and Alphonse Caruso will also be counted on to throw strikes and get outs.
The team opens the season in Northborough at the New England Baseball Center on Mar. 3 as they host Fisher in a doubleheader, starting at 11 a.m. The Lancers will play an additional four games in Northborough before heading to Winter Haven, Florida for spring games. The Lancers will open up play at the Lyons Diamond on Mar. 27. Key dates include April 21 (Alumni Day) and April 29 (Senior Day).
2018 MASCAC Baseball Pre-Season Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes In Parentheses)
|
1. |
Westfield State |
(5) |
45 points |
|
2. |
Salem State |
(1) |
39 points |
|
3. |
Worcester State |
(1) |
35 points |
|
4. |
Fitchburg State |
(1) |
28 points |
|
|
Framingham State |
|
28 points |
|
6. |
Mass. Maritime |
|
18 points |
|
7. |
MCLA |
|
16 points |
|
8. |
Bridgewater State |
|
15 points |