2019 Baseball Preview

After a disappointing Regional performance that ended the season a year ago, Titan Head Coach Ryan Mummert has seen a motivated group since the team reported to campus in the Fall. The Titan roster includes 19 players that have played at least a year of college baseball and Mummert hopes that experience pays dividends in 2019.

"These guys have worked hard since they returned this Fall. I think the returners have a bitter taste in their mouth after the way last year ended and that mentality has trickled down to the new guys," says Mummert. "This is a veteran group and I feel that could help us this Spring. We still have a ways to go but I think as the season goes we will start to see these guys really settle in which will hopefully help us when the postseason arrives."

2019 TEAM BREAKDOWN
Players Returning: 15
Pos. Players - Returning Starters: 5
Pitchers w/Significant Innings Returning: 3
Newcomers: 15 (11 high school players; 4 transfers)

Outfield

A pair of All-Region outfielders return from last year to go with a talented group of newcomers. Leading the returners is Justin VanDeBrake (Yakima, WA / West Valley HS), who earned 2nd Team All-NWAC a year ago. VanDeBrake, a Washington State commit, hit .369 as a FR and finished 2nd on the team in 2B and HR. One of the most dangerous hitters in the NWAC, VanDeBrake looks to lead the Titan offense in 2019. Another returner, RJ Green (Gig Harbor, WA / Gig Harbor HS), brings speed to the top of the lineup and is a ball-hawk in centerfield. Green earned 2nd Team All-West Region and was a Gold Glove recipient in 2018 and will look to anchor the outfield again. Zach Diehl (Eugene, OR / Sheldon HS) returns after playing mainly infield a year ago. A physical and athletic presence, Diehl can play multiple positions but will focus on the outfield in 2019. Diehl quietly led the team in hitting at .415 a year ago and will look to make more noise as he competes for a starting spot.

Newcomers Thomas Wheeler (Graham, WA / Graham-Kapowsin HS) and Josh Trujillo (Spanaway, WA / Spanaway Lake HS) are both left-handed hitters with great speed. Wheeler shows good physical tools and plays with great energy and Trujillo is the fastest Titan and can play all three OF spots. Both are expected to challenge for playing time.

"We are really excited about this group," stated Coach Mummert. "These guys bring a combination of speed, power, and defense. VanDeBrake and Green give us 2 key pieces returning and these young guys have made big strides since the Fall. I look forward to seeing these guys compete as the season goes."

Infield

The Titans lost 3 Division 1 infielders off last year's team which included All-NWAC SS Colin Wolf (Campbell University), as well as All-West Region recipients Elijah Johnson (Southeastern Louisiana) and Jon Burghardt (Morehead State). Even with the losses the Titans infield looks to reload in 2019.

The infield will be led by 2nd Team All-NWAC infielder Cameron MacIntosh (Gig Harbor, WA / Gig Harbor HS). MacIntosh hit .333 and led the team in runs, walks and stolen bases out of the leadoff spot last year. After playing mostly 2B a year ago, MacIntosh looks to make the move to 3B fulltime. Another player that looks to play a versatile role for the Titans is Kenton Robillard (Puyallup, WA / Puyallup HS). Robillard, who missed last season with an injury, was an All-West Region and Gold Glove winner in 2017. Robillard brings experience and could play all 4 infield positions. A pair of left-handed hitting 1B return in Robby Pogue (Bonney Lake, WA / Bonney Lake HS) and Beau Blowers (Orting, WA / Graham-Kapowsin HS). Pogue hit .304 and split time at 1B and DH as a FR. He looks to take over 1B full time in 2019. After redshirting a year ago, Blowers looks to contribute as he shows big power potential. He will look to spell Pogue at 1B and could see time at DH.

There is lots of quality depth that will challenge for playing time starting with a pair middle-infielders. Gavin Grant (Puyallup, WA / Puyallup HS) and Mason DeLaCruz (Auburn, WA / Thomas Jefferson HS) look to be the leading candidates to play up the middle. The freshman Grant hails from powerhouse Puyallup HS and brings a great baseball IQ along excellent defensive skills. DeLaCruz, a transfer from Washington State, started 30 games for the Cougs last year making only 1 error in over 100 chances. Both combine for one of the best middle-infields in the NWAC. Another Freshman, Eric Peterson (Puyallup, WA / Puyallup HS), provides great depth and shows the ability to impact a game with his bat. Peterson can play 2B or 3B

"We lost some key pieces from last year but I think this year's group has a chance to be special," says Mummert. "We have great overall depth and versatility. Defense will be the strength of this group and if we can make some strides offensively, I think that will give our team a big boost.

Catchers

The Titans return only 1 catcher from last year's team but have added some keys pieces that will bolster this group for the coming year.
Brock Gagliardi (Tacoma, WA / Wilson HS) is the lone returner after playing in 32 games a year ago. Gagliardi, who was 2nd Team All-West Region last year, hit .322 and shows good defensive skills to go with power potential from the left side. Sam Olsson (Eugene, OR / Sheldon HS), a transfer from San Jose State, also looks to provide competition at the catching position. Olsson is a solid defender but looks to have the biggest impact offensively. He will be a key presence in the middle of the Titans lineup. A pair of Freshman also look to challenge for playing time in Brady Hinkle (Puyallup, WA / Puyallup HS) and Tyler Wheeler (Graham, WA / Graham-Kapowsin HS). Hinkle is a true defensive-first catcher and follows a family legacy of Titans(Dad and Brother both played at TCC). Wheeler is a physical presence with a big arm behind the plate. Both provide quality depth and will be in the mix for innings.

"This is as deep as we have ever been at the catching position since I've been here," expressed Mummert. "Brock gives us experience, Sam provides an impact bat, and Brady and Tyler are very talented newcomers. The fun part will be watching how these guys just keep improving as the season progresses with all the competition at this position"

PRIMARY RETURNING-POSITION STARTERS
Player Pos. Cl.-Exp. B/T Avg. Notable
Justin VanDeBrake OF SO R/R .369 AVG 2nd Team All-NWAC Signed Washington State
Cameron MacIntosh INF SO R/R .333 AVG 2nd Team All-NWAC
Brock Gagliardi C SO L/R .322 AVG 2nd Team All-West Region
RJ Green OF SO L/R .277 AVG 2nd Team All-West Region, Gold Glove

TOP NEWCOMERS-POSITION PLAYERS
Player Pos. Cl. B/T Hometown (Previous School)
Sam Olsson C SO R/R Eugene, OR (San Jose State University)
Mason De La Cruz INF SO Auburn, WA (Washington State University)
Gavin Grant INF FR Puyallup, WA (Puyallup HS)

Pitchers

Replacing 4 Division Pitchers is never an easy task but the Titans return 3 pitchers with starting experience along with getting some key pitchers back from injury.

Leading the charge on the mound will be a trio with a combined 20 starts under their belt. Josh Vitus (Eugene, OR / Sheldon HS) posted a 9-1 record with a 2.72 ERA in 62 innings in 2018. Vitus earned and looks to pick up where he left off a year ago. Another returner, Logan Gerling (Gig Harbor, WA / Gig Harbor HS), was voted 1st Team All-West Region Closer last year. He went 4-1 with a 1.96 ERA while striking out 41 in 41 innings. Gerling has made the transition to full-time starter and will be a key component in the rotation. The last returner with starting experience is LHP Alex McBee (Auburn, WA / Auburn Mountainview HS). A Seattle University commit, McBee posted a 3.92 ERA to go with 44 strike outs in 36 innings. McBee commands a mid to upper 80's fastball with quality secondary pitches and is expected to compete for a spot in the rotation. A couple players returning from injury that look to give the Titans a boost include Tanner Knapp (Fife, WA / Fife HS) and Brandon Reynolds (Wenatchee, WA / Wenatchee HS). Knapp redshirted last year after a knee injury but has come back strong and looks to be in the mix for a rotation spot. A shoulder injury held Reynolds out a year ago. He is still a few weeks out but if he can return to the form he was as a FR he could be a significant piece to the back end of the bullpen. Others that will see action include Caleb Beard (Lacey, WA / Timberline HS) and Cade Bates (Springfield, OR / Thurston HS). Both look to added quality depth to the bullpen.

Many Freshman and a couple transfers will be expected to contribute significantly on the hill. Of the Freshman, RHP Dyson Johnson (Covington, WA / Kentwood HS) and LHP Jack Horn (Tacoma, WA / Curtis HS) have stood out the most so far. Johnson is a power arm with a plus breaking ball, while the left-handed Horn has shown a feel for 3 pitches. Both give the Titans great versatility with the ability to start or come out of the bullpen. Other Freshman that will push for innings include Dylan Mackie (Black Diamond, WA / Kentlake HS) and Brett Stock (Olympia, WA / Capital HS). Mackie shows life on the fastball and Stock is a tall, projectable arm who's best days are ahead of him. A pair of Division 1 transfers also look to see significant innings this Spring. Jon Fortner (Portland, OR / Lincoln HS), a transfer from High Point University, possess an upper 80's fastball with quality secondary pitches and looks to challenge for a starting spot. A transfer from Loyola Marymount, Austin Carder (Puyallup, WA / Cascade Christian HS), logged 23 innings as a FR for the Lions. Carder is expected to be a steady presence in the back end of the bullpen.

"I think we have the pieces to compete, but I'm not sure we are there yet," says Mummert. "Roles are still being figured out and we need to be more consistent in our outings. I think as the season goes and roles get established, guys will start to settle in. The preseason will be great preparation for Conference play and prepare us for the postseason."

PRIMARY PITCHERS RETURNING
Player R/L Cl.-Exp. W-L ERA IP BB SO Notable
Josh Vitus RHP SO 9-1 W-L 2.72 ERA 62 IP 15 BB 55 SO
Logan Gerling RHP SO 4-1 W-L 1.96 ERA 41 IP 22 BB 41 SO
Alex McBee LHP SO 3-2 W-L 3.92 ERA 36 IP 15 BB 44 SO Signed Seattle University

TOP NEWCOMERS-PITCHERS
Player R/L Cl. Hometown (Previous School)
Jon Fortner RHP RS-FR Portland, OR (High Point University)
Austin Carder RHP SO Puyallup, WA (Loyala Marymount University)
Dyson Johnson RHP FR Covington, WA (Kentwood HS)
Jack Horn LHP FR Tacoma, WA (Curtis HS)