In a tough East Region Big Bend is looking to duplicate and improve upon their 2019 season when they went 17-11 in the East and earned a post season birth.
Head Coach: Jameson Lange
Assistant Coaches: Ryan Doumit, Reign Letkeman, Aaron Vaugh, Hayden Knight
Returning Position Players
Skyler Sadora – C – Sadora returns as a 3rd year Sophomore who will return to the starting catcher position that he has held the last two years. He is a middle of the order bat who hits for average and power.Â
Matt Plato – OF – Plato returns as a 3rd year Sophomore corner OF/DH. Plato has shown a steady power for the team since his freshman year and looks to continue that in 2021.
Kristian Saldana – 2B – A 2nd year Freshman. Saldana is projected to start again at second base and hit in the top of the line-up. He consistently puts together quality at bats and is a proven tough out.
Tristen Garland – A 3rd year Sophomore who is a well rounded hitter with high baseball IQ. Look for him to be a threat on the base path.
Returning Pitchers
Vance Alvarado – A 2nd year Freshman who projects to be in the starting rotation. Great mound presence and command.
Evan McLean – 2nd year Freshman who also projects to be in the starting rotation. McLean is a plus athlete that will serve as a two way player.
Colin Cortez – 3rd year Sophomore should also be a member of the starting rotation. Cortez is a fierce competitor who wants the ball every chance he can.
Nathaniel Akesson – A 2nd year freshman who has the versitility to step into a starting role as well as being a long reliever. His plus stuff from the left side could be key for Big Bend.
Impact Freshman/Transfers
Dalton Miller – SS – Miller is a left handed hitting that is a consistent defender. A high baseball IQ will help him make an impact early on.
Dom Signorelli – UTL – Signorelli transfers in from Boise State Univ. He is a well rounded lefthanded hitter who gives the team versatility as a utility player with solid defender skills.
Brandham Ponce – UTL – A Central Arizona transfer who gives Big Bend top tier power and savvy defensive. Look for him to slot into the middle of the order.
Eric Mast – OF – Another transfer from Central Arizona Mast is a lefthanded hitting center fielder who is well rounded and an efficient player. He has the ability to hit for average and power and look for him to be a threat on the base path
2021 Expectations
“Our standards and expectations have been well established. We expect a well disciplined group that competes every pitch, led by our 3rd year player leadership. Our play should show we are well prepared, disciplined, and physically fundamental.” Head Coach Jameson Lange