The DII Report: The final DII baseball fall reports before opening day PART II

Welcome to Part II of today's mega-DII Report. With first pitch less than 12 days away, take a look at how some of DII baseball's top teams performed this fall.

Welcome back to The DII Report newsletter. Each week, we will delve into the world of NCAA Division II sports, focusing on the teams and student-athletes to watch. Be sure to check out the DII Nation Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor and YouTube for more insight on the world of DII sports.

THE DII REPORT

Welcome back to the DII Report. Starting in October, I began bringing you DII baseball fall reports, dissecting conferences and teams with insight from coaches, SIDs and insiders. Thus far, we had nine conferences covered.

Previous fall reports: SAC | PSAC | RMAC | PBC | SSC | LSC | NSIC | GSC | MIAA

Unfortunately, our time is wearing thin. While the intention was to highlight each conference in depth, with first pitch less than 12 days away, time is of the essence. Earlier today, I sent out Part I of these final DII baseball fall reports, but due to the wealth of information I received, Substack asked that I split it into two newsletters as to not blow up the interwebs.

If you missed it, here was Part I: DII baseball fall report: The contenders, Part I.

DII baseball fall report: The contenders, Part II

The GLVC

Illinois Springfield
Head coach: Ryan Copeland | 2021 record: 37-8

Hitter to watch: Zion Pettigrew, 3B — Pettigrew, along with his infield-mate, first baseman Kal Youngquist, has been one of my favorite bats to watch in recent years. He was a first-team All-American in 2021, adding the GLVC player of the year and NCBWA/ABCA Midwest Regional player of the year. Per Coach Copeland, “Zion has high-level bat speed and creates a ton of fly-ball carry.  He hit close to .440 last year and was second in DII baseball in OPS. He has had considerable draft attention from MLB scouts.”

Pitcher to watch: Chad Saner, RHP  — Saner was 8-0 with 2.03 ERA as a redshirt freshman in 2021. He was an ABCA Midwest All-Region selection. Saner is more of a crafty pitcher, with a pair of breaking balls he can throw for strikes anywhere in the count. His fastball sits 87-91 mph. 

Newcomer to watch: Quinn Gudaitis, RHP — Gudaitis has an intimidating frame — listed at 6’7 and 240 pounds — with a big fastball, sitting 93-96 mph and touching 97. He is a graduate transfer from DIII Illinois Wesleyan. With a good feel for a slider in the 85-88 mph range, expect Gudaitis to be in the weekend rotation and have considerable high-round draft interest 

What Coach Copeland says: “We return seven of our nine offensive starters from last year's team that was top-5 in nearly every offensive category in DII. On the mound, we return all four weekend starters and 93% of our innings from last year's pitching staff that finished 12th in the NCAA DII in ERA. We have been the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Midwest Regional in each of the last three seasons, winning the Midwest Regional in 2019.”

Lindenwood
Head coach: Doug Bletcher | 2021 record: 34-9

Hitter to watch: Kolby Schulte, IF — Schulte is a throwback player: He adjusts to the pitcher and takes what the pitcher gives him to find the hole to hit through. In 2021, had 35 RBI, 62 hits, 41 runs scored with a .446 on-base percentage, a testament to his versatility on offense. Schulte doesn’t need power to drive in runs, he approaches every RBI situation with the best hitting plan for himself to get the job done. 

Pitcher to watch: Ethan Axman – Axman is big and strong with a power arm. His fastball can reach the mid-90s, but he will usually sit between 90-94 and adds an upper-70s curveball and a low-80s slider. Bletcher describes Axman: “Mechanically, he is pretty efficient — a little bit of a crossfire delivery which gives him some deception. Stuff wise when right — can be electric.” Also watch Tyler Cassmeyer, a mid-80s hurler who can become the Lions’ winningest NCAA pitcher.

Newcomer to watch: Michael Ward, 1B — Ward transferred from Missouri S&T and batted .379 last year with an impressive .535 on-base percentage hitting in the middle of the Miners’ lineup. 

Quincy
Head coach: Matt Schissel | 2021 record: 29-15

Hitter to watch: Dayson Croes, INF  — The 2021 All-American hit .426 with 28 extra base hits and only 11 strikeouts. However, the depth on this team is impressive. Lance Logsdon played well in the MLB Draft League this past summer and is certainly one to watch. 

Pitcher to watch: Spencer Walker, RHP — Walker will likely be the opening day starter and Friday-night guy. He commands the zone well with three pitches and competes every time he steps on the mound.

Newcomer to watch: Luke Napleton, C — He is not technically a newcomer, but Coach feels with only 15 at-bats under his belt, Napleton is essentially adding a new piece to the lineup and is on the verge of a breakout season. 

What Coach Schissel says: “This is a fun team to coach every day. There's a lot of guys on this team who have played in two or three regionals and are hoping to do it again in 2022. We have a good mix of experience and new faces, and the boys are excited for a new season.”

The G-MAC

Ashland
Head coach: John Schaly | 2021 record: 24-19

Hitter to watch: Austin Eifrid, SS — Eifrid is the Eagles’ leadoff hitter and a carryover from the 2019 team that made it to Cary. He sets the table for the rest of the lineup. Keep an eye on Micah Allen. The first baseman is a power hitter that will bat cleanup as a run producer.

Pitcher to watch: Perry Bewley, RHP — The senior closer is a returning All-American that led DII in saves in 2021. He features a low-90s, great slider and is a potential MLB draft pick.

Newcomers to watch: Sebastian Fabik, OF — A transfer from Ohio.

What Coach Schaly said: "We have a veteran team with 14 seniors and eight transfers. We will be well balanced offensively with speed and power, and on our pitching staff with righties and lefties. We have more depth than we have had in a long time.”

Trevecca Nazarene
Head coach: Chase Sain | 2021 record: 36-13

Hitter to Watch: Braden Odom, CF — The returning All-Midwest Region outfielder led the team in average (.355), home runs (9), doubles (12), triples (6) and runs (48). He also led the conference in RBI (59) and runs scored (52) and was 15-for-17 on stolen bases.

Pitcher to Watch: Caleb Bly, RHP — Graduate transfer from Oklahoma Baptist won 16 games over 155 innings at OBU, striking out 195.

Newcomer to Watch: Justin Campbell, LHP — Graduate transfer from Tulane led its team in appearances for the last three seasons.

What Coach Sain said: “I am very excited to get this season cranked up. We have a good mix of newcomers combined with some returners that have played a lot of big innings for us in the past. This is a new team and a new year, and our guys are excited to have the opportunity to compete against a great non-conference and conference schedule”.

The GNAC

Northwest Nazarene
Head coach: Joe Schaefer | 2021 record: 35-10

Hitter to watch: Grant Kerry, UTIL — Kerry is a returning All-American who hit .361 with 11 doubles, 11 home runs and 52 RBI. He’s a potential conference player of the year, and one of the best hitters in the West Region. Kerry hits for average and power, and projects to steal 10-15 bases this year as well. Keep an eye on him, he is a potential late round MLB draft pick.  

Pitcher to watch: Kyle Ethridge, LHP — Ethridge is a returning All-Region player after posting a 6-1 record with a 3.36 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 69.2 innings pitched. He sits 85-87 mph with plus-fastball command. He adds in an average curveball but very good changeup. Per Coach Schaefer he “gets more swing and misses with a fastball than any pitcher I have coached. He’s a bulldog on the mound who thrives in big games.” 

Newcomer to watch: Duke Pahukoa, 3B (UNLV) and Brock Moffitt, LHP (UC Davis) —  Pahukoa will start at 3B and hit in the middle of the order. He is an impact player and potential all-conference player. Moffitt is a relief pitcher that will sit 88-90 with a plus curve. He hasn't had a full season yet because of injuries at Davis. He’s expected to be an immediate impact pitcher and potential draft pick if healthy.

What Coach Schaefer said: "We have a pretty deep offensive team with some experience and maturity. We return most of our innings from last year, and our bullpen is our strength. Last year's experience will hopefully benefit us this coming season."

The MEC

Charleston (WV)
Head coach: Robbie Britt | 2021 record: 33-13

Hitter to watch: Tyler Dellerman, C/INF — Dellerman is a very mature hitter — it is hard to get him out the same way twice. He shows the ability to hit different pitches with power. Dellerman got some experience in the Cape Cod Baseball League this past summer with the Brewster Whitecaps. Also watch Braxton Boddorf (SS). He is a left-handed hitter with great bat-to-ball skills, someone Coach Britt calls a “complete offensive player.”

Pitcher to watch: Colt Webb, RHP — Webb was a first-team all-conference pitcher in 2021. He has a good pitch mix featuring plus secondary offerings. Webb is consistent with command around the plate.

Newcomers to Watch: Cole Peschl, RHP (freshman) and Drew Klaserner, 2B, (transfer from Coker).

Coach Britt said: “The 2022 schedule will present a challenging schedule with three SAC opponent series to open the year, including a three-game set with Wingate Feb. 11-13. It will also feature a PSAC series vs. Pitt-Johnstown prior to launching into MEC action in March.”

Wheeling
Head coach: Ryan Lewicki | 2021 record: 27-14

Hitter to watch: Riley Cameron, C/CI — Cameron is a middle-of-the-lineup guy that hits the ball hard (100-plus exit velocity) to all fields. He is aggressive and hunts early if the pitch is his in order to get the barrel on the ball early in each at-bat to eliminate strikeouts. Interesting tidbit from Coach Lewicki: “He swings with wood [bats] every day and only uses metal during games. The ball just sounds different off his barrel. No doubt in my mind Riley can play at the next level.”

Pitcher to watch: Kyle Dalton, RHP — Dalton is the team’s closer after transferring in from a Michigan Juco. Lewicki describes it as a funky delivery from multiple angles: He throws from over-the-top and sidearm. He can use the fastball in both arm slots and a slider from both as well. The velocity is up to 90 with plus-plus command. 

Newcomer to watch: J.R. Heavilin —The Charleston (WV) transfer can fill the four-hole for the Cardinals. He can hit, but Lewicki likes that he “brings that spark, the energy needed to make our already experienced and mature lineup that much better.” 

What Coach Lewicki said: “Expectations are at an all-time high for our program. Coming off the best season is school history at 27-14, this group is just excited to get back on the field. We are returning eight starters on offense, two starters on the mound and a few experienced bullpen arms. The mindset is simple: We are working to play in the NCAA Tourney — finish top seven in the Atlantic Region and that is all we are striving towards every day.”

The NE10

Franklin Pierce
Head coach: Mike Chambers | 2021 record: 22-11

Hitter to watch: Randy Flores, IF — Flores earned all-conference honors last year and made the all-star game in Futures League this past summer. He is the Ravens’ leadoff hitter, mainly because “he rarely strikes out, he can fly and can hit for power.”

Pitcher To watch: Pat Hannon, LHP — Hannon pitched last year with carpal tunnel syndrome. His hand would go numb, but he pushed through it, which caused him some issues. He had surgery in the offseason and has been great ever since. Hannon is a tall lefty (6’4) that sits 88-90 mph with a plus change and good slider.

Newcomer to watch: Charles Lebron, 3B — The Mercy transfer is a lefty bat with plus power that should be in the middle of the lineup. 

Southern New Hampshire
Head coach: Scott Loiseau | 2021 record: 28-9

Hitter to watch: Dakota Mulcay, C — Mulcay is a smart hitter that stays in the zone with plus power.

Pitcher to watch: Taylor Lepard, RHP — Coach Loiseau thinks Lepard has made a big jump from last year. He is a 92-94 mph strike thrower with a very good changeup and good breaking ball. 

Newcomer to Watch: Joshua Roberge, RHP — Roberge, a Wheaton transfer, throws hard, sitting 90-93 mph. He fills the zone with strikes and is a top-rotation guy.

What Coach Loiseau said: “Very balanced team with some experience. Basically, we have the whole lineup back. Our pitching staff is pretty new but much deeper than last year. We will see if we can learn how to win together.”

The PacWest

Azusa Pacific
Head coach: Kirk Nieuwenhuis | 2021 record: 33-10

Hitter to watch: Aaron Roose, C — Roose is a disciplined leadoff hitter. He doesn't try to force things, will take what the pitcher gives and is great with two strikes.

Pitcher to watch: David Hays, LHP — Hays is listed at 6’4 and is a starter. He sits 88-91 mph with his fastball and adds a good breaking ball and changeup. He is a competitor that can keep hitters on edge as he will mix up his arm angle in his delivery.

Newcomer to watch: Casey O'Laughlin, OF — A transfer from Northwestern.

What Coach Nieuwenhuis said: “It is a close-knit team that has been through quite a bit together, and we are excited about getting back out on the field in 2022. The PacWest has always been full of talented teams, and I expect this year to be no different. Our non-conference schedule is extremely tough with the first eight games against top-10 opponents. We look forward to competing together and this group is looking forward to the challenge ahead.”   

Biola
Head coach: Jeff Calhoon | 2021 record: 14-19

Hitter to watch: Oscar Serratos, 3B — Serratos is a well-traveled college baseball name. He’s already been an MLB draft pick and has played in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Now, he will hit in the middle of the order for Biola with a power bat and has a chance to be a special player in the region.

Pitcher to watch: Connor Butler, LHP — Butler was up to 97 mph last spring and his slider and changeup have improved for him from last season. Has swing-and-miss stuff. According to Calhoon, the biggest factor for him is command. “If his command continues to translate to the game, I believe he has a chance to be one of best back-end bullpen arms in the country.”

Newcomer to Watch: Taylor Justus, UTIL — Justus is a transfer from San José State. He is going to both catch and get some innings on the mound. He has the receiving skills and can control the staff on a daily basis. Offensively, he has good barrel-to-ball skills with some sneaky athleticism.

What Coach Calhoon said: “​​As a West Coast program, last season was very difficult. I am thankful we were able to play as others in our region did not get that opportunity. With that said, we lost a decent chunk of our lineup and innings on the mound to pro ball and graduation. A lot of new faces in starting roles, but I can say I have really enjoyed being on the field and coaching this group. They are competitive, tough and hungry for an opportunity to play. We are looking forward to competing with the best in our region this spring.”

Point Loma
Head coach: Justin James | 2021 record: 11-21

Hitter to watch: Otto Kemp, 3B — Kemp was the PacWest freshman of the year during the COVID-altered spring of 2021. He led the Sea Lions hitting .360, with 10 homers and 21 RBI. 

Pitcher to watch: Dylan Miller, RHP — Miller was the most reliable arm in 2021 for Point Loma tossing 44 innings with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. 

Newcomer to Watch: Jack Gonzales, LHP — A transfer from Dixie State.

What Coach James said: “​​If you look at what we've done historically, we’ve played solid defense. We have a group of guys that are really good at picking the ball and that gives us a chance to compete every day.”

The SIAC

Albany State
Head coach: Scot Hemmings | 2021 record: 12-7

Hitter to watch: Lachlan Ross, IF — Ross was the Rams’ leading hitter last year (.400, 22 RBI). 

Pitchers to watch: Jon Henry, RHP — Henry — listed at 6’1, 220 — was the Rams’ No. 1 pitcher in 2021 (2-1, 3.57 ERA). 

Newcomer to watch: Lavoisier Fisher, OF (Georgia State) and Nick Hernandez.

What Coach Hemmings said: “We are excited about our upcoming 2022 season as we have filled a lot of holes on the offensive end. We will be led by Jon Henry on the mound and the rest of our staff is really young, but we have an extremely high ceiling to have a great staff by the end of the year. This team reminds me of my 2016 JUCO team that went to the World Series with their work ethic and passion for the game. I am excited for opening day and expect great things out of this year's team.”