Baseball 2/15/2024 3:00:00 PM Fred Sington

Hornets Host Valpo To Open the 2024 Baseball Campaign

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State University opens the 2024 baseball season with a four-game series against Valparaiso University at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.

The series starts on Friday at 6 p.m. and will continue with a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday's series finale is scheduled for an 11 a.m. first pitch.

All six position starters from 2023 that finished 41-18 overall and 24-6 in the SWAC, capturing the SWAC East Division Crown. The Hornets led the conference in seven offensive categories, including the NCAA's top batting average of .334. ASU led the SWAC with 137 doubles (19th NCAA), 699 hits (6th NCAA), 81 home runs, 1.37 home runs per game, .416 on base percentage (14th NCAA),15 sac flies (15th NCAA), 8.5 runs per game (12th NCAA), and .523 slugging percentage (18th NCAA).

The infield returns all four starters including Randy Flores (2B), Kyler McIntosh (SS), Cristian Lopez (3B), and Jack Hay (1B). Returnee Devin Chandler (1B) is expected to take on a bigger role.

Freshman All-American catcher Jamal George returns behind the plate and Ali LaPread is the lone returnee in the outfield.

On the mound, Alabama State returns one weekend starter from 2023 in Shadai Colon (LHP) along with relievers Jorhan LaBoy, (LHP), Kyler McIntosh (RHP), Sebastian Colon (RHP), Luis Rodriguez (RHP), Austin King (RHP) and Devin Brooks (RHP).

Newcomers Isaiah Landry (IF/OF), Mikel Pryor (OF/DH), and Niguel Jenkins (OF) are expected to battle for playing time for the remaining two outfield and left-field spots. Juan Cruz (OF) provides depth with Hay at first base and can hit in the designated hitter spot.

Valparaiso went 20-27 and 10-17 in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2023.

The Beacons return leading hitters Ryan Maka and Kyle Schmack to the lineup. Make led the team with a .345 average, nine doubles, one triple, seven home runs, and 43 RBI. Schmack hit .322 with 15 doubles, one triple, nine home runs, and 38 RBI.

Valpo is expected to start Griffin McCluskey (RHP) in game one on Friday. Josh Cottrill (RHIP) and Lucas Foley (LHP) are the probable starters for Saturday's doubleheader. Adam Guazzo (RHIP) gets the ball in the series finale on Sunday.

McCluskey is the lone starting arm back in 2024 for the Beacons. McCluskey posted a 4-5 record with a 6.46 ERA, 73 strikeouts, and 36 walks over 69 plus innings. Conttril moves from the bullpen to starter after making 14 relief appearances and one start in 2023.

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