PRICE – When the USU Eastern baseball team takes the field for the first time on Friday there will be a lot of new faces wearing the blue and white.
The Eagles will lack experience in 2019 but definitely will not be lacking in talent.
“We are young but extremely talented,” said Utah State Eastern Head Coach Scott Madsen. “They are new to the school but are older so we are hoping that maturity will make up for a lot.”
Fans can expect the Eagles to give it their all at every at bat and every inning as well.
“We have a group of guys that loves to compete and work hard. Each guy on this team will go out and give it their all and people should be excited about that,” said sophomore pitcher Connor Udy.
Madsen says that it is all part of the process in junior college with having to replace a large number of sophomores after every two years.
The Eagles will have to replace two-year starters Jarod Lessar and Chase Stratton on the mound. Both players are pitching at the next level at BYU and William Penn respectively.
In the field, Madsen will be replacing all-conference players Jesse Rowley, Cole Fossat, and Jarrett Hunt.
“We had exceptional group last year but we have a group this year that has a lot of talent,” said Madsen.
Udy is one of seven sophomores on the roster this Spring and he says those sophomores will be expected to be leaders this year.
“Those that played last year will have to step up and lead the younger guys to make sure they are comfortable and understand what is going on,” said Udy.
On the mound, Madsen feels that his pitching staff is deeper than previous seasons especially in the bullpen.
Sophomores Jake Smith, Zach Fitch, Hunter Porritt, and Udy will lead the pitching staff this season. Pitchers Carter Pope and Wyatt Barrus are among a talented group of freshmen that Coach Madsen feels confident that he can give the ball to this season.
Behind those pitchers in the field will be a group of players that Madsen feels is the most talented he has ever had at USU Eastern.
The Eagles will return one starter from last year’s defensive lineup, outfielder and lead off hitter Ryan Curtis who will be very important to the success of the team this season.
“We base our outfield and hitting lineup around Ryan, we have guys that can protect him in the lineup,” said Madsen.
In that lineup Madsen will be expecting big things from hitters such as sophomore TJ Bender who will be taking on a bigger role as a designated hitter this season.
“The hitters that have the potential to put up some runs,” said Madsen. “I am hoping that with those runs our pitchers and defense can come together and improve off last year.”
The main goal for the Eagles this season is to improve off last year’s season and finish in the top three of the Scenic West Athletic Conference standings.
Udy says that a big part of reaching that success is having the whole team buy in to the program’s vision.
“The biggest thing for us this year is to have everyone buy into the vision we have. It is all about the next guy up, if someone is hurt or not playing well, the next guy has to be ready to to give it their all for the team and compete in every at bat,” said Udy.
To help catch the vision, the next two weeks of non-conference play will be critical.
The Eagles will travel to Henderson this weekend for a tournament and then go to Douglas, Arizona for a series against Cochise the following week.
“I think for us, it is big for us to get the experience in these games so when conference play comes we are ready to compete in a tough schedule,” said Udy.
Following a trip to Glendive, Montana in the first week of March to take on Dawson, the Eagles will begin their tough SWAC schedule that includes national powerhouses Salt Lake, College of Southern Idaho and College of Southern Nevada.
Their first home series of the season will begin on March 8 against Colorado Northwestern.
The four-game series against CNCC and all other home games will be broadcasted on the Scenic West Digital Network.
The Eagles first game of the season on Friday will be against Gateway Community College at 10 a.m. The game can be seen at scenicwestnetwork.com.