Click Here to Listen to a preseason interview with Head Coach Joey Pavlovich
The Lakers Baseball Team will open their 2020 season this weekend in Iola, Kansas as they take on Allen Community College.
The Lakers will bring a lot of experience this year with 19 returning sophomores on the roster. Head Coach Joey Pavlovich is especially excited about a core group of talented players in key positions. Sophomore Dean Bedell returns as one of the top catchers in the league. Sophomore Austen Daliet is looking to have a big impact at short stop; he has started 47 games and had a great fall season. Division I commitments Jacob Buffington (UW-Milwaukee) and Lucas Gardner (Gardner-Webb) will be a big part of the pitching staff as well as left-hander Jacob Myer and right-hander Frankie Cresta. Coach Pavlovich has also brought in some newcomers to round out this roster. Freshmen Ryan Mclean and Mark Thornhill will add some power at the plate. Freshman Jacob Gilbert and transfers Arturo Gil and Mitchell Hoover will add depth to the veteran pitching staff.
Coach Pavlovich thinks the added depth will give them the stability they didn't have last year. "We were so thin last year in multiple positions so when Logan Ferguson went down in the middle of the season it pushed a few guys into different roles and hurt our bullpen depth. I expect us to be deeper and more experienced in all areas," said Pavlovich.
Increased depth and experience have made an impact on practices and preparation. The team has embraced expectations and challenges. Player leadership will play a big role this season. All of the sophomores understand the work they need to put in and are pushing the newcomers as well.
Coach Pavlovich is excited to see his team compete, "This is a special group and I can't wait to see them go through the ups and downs of the season. We play an incredibly challenging non-conference schedule right from the get go that will test us. I think this will really prepare us for what could be an even more talented league top to bottom this year."
PHOTO: Photo of Jacob Buffington attached.
OTHER: Interview with Head Baseball Coach Joey Pavlovich attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Baseball Coach Joey Pavlovich at (712) 362-7916 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.