Baseball 1/31/2013 3:21:00 PM

Stars strive to build on tradition

Fourth-ranked OCU eyes second consecutive SAC title, sixth straight World Series berth

Among OCU's players to watch in 2012 are from left, Cody Ferrell, Kale Gaden, Cody Crabaugh, Patrick Goelz and Chris Muñoz.

Oklahoma City University has built a baseball tradition like few in the nation can match.
The Stars carry lofty expectations following a 48-12 showing, fifth consecutive NAIA World Series berth, fourth straight NAIA Championship Opening-Round Tournament crown and second Sooner Athletic Conference regular-season championship in a row in 2012. Last year's team featured the NAIA player of the year among four Major League Baseball draftees. Entering this year, OCU has been ranked fourth in the preseason NAIA rankings and favored to capture the SAC title.
The Stars begin the season 2 p.m. Friday against Culver-Stockton (Mo.) at Jim Wade Stadium. To follow OCU home games on live audio, stats and video, go to OCU's Stretch Internet portal.
OCU has put together college baseball's most victories since 1991 with 1,118, besting Florida State by one win in that span. Denney Crabaugh has led OCU to a 1,184-366-2 record, a .764 winning percentage and the 2005 national championship in 24 years at the helm.
“Our goal is to win a national championship,” Crabaugh said. “When you have a program like we have, players come in and expect to play for a national championship. We look for players with that goal. We're in a position where that goal is a possibility. Not every program can say that, but we can.”
The Stars' roster includes 13 seniors, 15 letter winners plus a talented recruiting class of nine newcomers that will aid OCU in its quest for its 15th NAIA World Series trip.
Cody Crabaugh highlights the Stars' pitching staff. A senior right-hander from Edmond, Okla., Crabaugh has posted a 22-8 record in his career – a 10-2 ledger with a 3.39 earned run average and 59 strikeouts in 79.1 innings pitched last year. He helped OCU set a new single-season team record with a 2.73 ERA in 2012.
“Our starting rotation is going to be a big key to our success, and he's a big part of it,” Denney Crabaugh said of his son. “We expect another solid year. He is a tremendous competitor.”
Cody Ferrell will patrol center field and bring his mix of power and speed to the offense. Ferrell, a senior from McLoud, Okla., hit .306 with six home runs, 26 RBIs and 16 stolen bases a year ago. OCU led the NAIA in doubles (146), home runs (1.53 per game) and slugging percentage (.584) last season.
“I expect him to have a better year,” Crabaugh said. “He's taken on a leadership role. We need him in center field every day.”
Kale Gaden moves to catcher after spending last year at right field. Gaden, a senior from Stillwater, Okla., was a highly-regarded catcher in high school. He would still play the outfield on days he wouldn't catch. Gaden produced a .327 batting average, 11 home runs and 51 RBIs.
“We expect him to build upon last year and improve upon his numbers,” Crabaugh said. “He is capable of providing us power and consistency at the plate.”
Patrick Goelz is set to expand his role on the pitching staff after going 2-2 with a 1.70 ERA, eight saves and 42 strikeouts in 37 innings in 2012.
“He had a very good year,” Crabaugh said. “He's versatile. He could start or could be in any role in the pitching staff. We expect similar numbers.”
Chris Muñoz will shift to second and third base after holding down OCU's shortstop position last year. Muñoz, a senior from Hacienda Heights, Calif., supplied the Stars with a .388 average, 11 homers, 44 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
“He's a catalyst,” Crabaugh said. “We're counting on him to start us off at the top of the order. He's taken on a leadership role that's led to more maturity. He can do things well offensively and defensively.”
A closer look at the Stars:

Infield

Brayden Brumley, a senior from Ardmore, Okla., saw time at third base while hitting .231 with eight runs driven in in 2012. Crabaugh said, “He's going to benefit from having been here a year. He had a good fall. He's one of those guys who's good to have on the team because he can do multiple things.”
Walker Davidson, a senior from Berryhill, Okla., played in the infield and hit .246 in three years for Wichita State. “He is a top-of-the-order hitter who gets on base,” Crabaugh said. “He is hard-nosed.”
Andrew Dennis, a senior from San Jose, Calif., hit .333 while holding down a job as a role player for OCU. “He is solid defensively,” Crabaugh said. “He was solid with the bat this fall. I wouldn't be afraid to have him in the lineup.”
Chase Jensen, a senior from Arlington, Texas, hit .293 with four homers and 78 RBIs in two years as a shortstop at Houston. “He is getting more scout and professional attention,” Crabaugh said. “He is a solid defensive shortstop who hits for power. He can help replace the numbers we've lost.”
Jonathan Sigado, a senior from Salem, Ore., posted a .339 average, four homers and 38 RBIs as the Stars' regular third baseman. “He's going to play first base or DH,” Crabaugh said. “He has to put up solid offensive numbers, and he's capable of doing it.”
Forrest Smith, a junior from Bakersfield, Calif., had a .324 average, nine homers and 38 RBIs in two years at Taft (Calif.). Crabaugh said, “He has a lot of power and makes contact. He should be in the middle of the order and drive in runs.”
Trey Summers, a junior from Tulsa, Okla., provides intangibles for the team. Crabaugh: “He will see some time at DH. He gives his heart and soul to this program. He is an inspirational leader on this team.”
Chris Wallis, a junior from Albuquerque, N.M., hit .306 with nine homers and 58 RBIs in two years at New Mexico Junior College. Crabaugh said, “He is a solid defensive catcher who really exploded offensively this fall. He'll split time at catcher and DH.”
Adam Clark, a sophomore from St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, can play shortstop and hit .333 in limited play last year. Crabaugh: “He's improved himself this fall. He can be a role player who could be used in any situation.”
Mason Toole, a sophomore from Mangum, Okla., saw limited playing time at Western Oklahoma State a year ago. “He is a role player who could catch or play in the infield,” Crabaugh said.
Matt Burkett, a redshirt freshman from Guymon, Okla., possesses fine offensive skills. “He's going to see limited action,” Crabaugh said. “He will have a chance as a pinch hitter.”

Outfield

Dalton Bernardi, a junior from Choctaw, Okla., could be used as an outfielder or as a pitcher. Berndardi comes off a redshirt year at OCU. Crabaugh said, “Pitching-wise he could start, middle relieve or close. His role will be determined on his position in the field.”
Josh Dickey, a junior from Bakersfield, Calif., played two years at Taft (Calif.) before redshirting with OCU last year. “We're looking forward to seeing him in the outfield mix,” Crabaugh said. “He has the capability of putting up solid numbers.”
Jonathan Rodriguez, a junior from Anaheim, Calif., joins the Stars after hitting .283 with four homers and 25 RBIs for Yavapai (Calif.). Crabaugh said, “He is a middle of the order hitter. We're expecting batting average with power numbers for him. He can swing it.”
Randy Vann, a junior from Yukon, Okla., possesses one of the team's toughest work ethics.
“He continues to do everything we ask of him,” Crabaugh said. “He's probably one of our most hardest working players. He gets the most out of what he's been given.”

Pitching

Ryan Gibson, a senior left-hander from Yukon, Okla., helped OCU rally to the NAIA Championship Opening Round Oklahoma City Bracket crown with a complete-game shutout vs. Sterling (Kan.). Gibson posted a 4-0 record with a 1.63 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 38.2 innings pitched as a Star in 2012. “He has big-time stuff,” Crabaugh said. “He is capable of being a dominant pitcher.”
Davis Henderson, a senior righty from Spring, Texas, has been OCU's stopper out of the bullpen. Henderson was 7-0 with a 1.77 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 45.2 innings. “He had an outstanding year,” Crabaugh said. “He was the go-to guy in the bullpen. When we needed momentum on our side, he shut down the other team. He can come in during the sixth inning and finish it if we need him to.”
Derek Howell, a senior righty from Krum, Texas, went 8-4 in two years at Seminole State. “He could be used in any role,” Crabaugh said. “He's capable of going deep into ballgames.”
Shane Henderson, a junior right-hander from Flower Mound, Texas, posted a 9-4 record, 3.66 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 108.1 innings in two years at Grayson County (Texas). Henderson stands 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds. Crabaugh said, “He is a big, strong guy with dominating stuff. He needs to give us quality innings, go deep into the game and give us a chance to win. He has a high profile with scouts.”
Will Patrigo, a sophomore righty from Oklahoma City, showed flashes last year before being limited by injury. “He was very solid before he went down,” Crabaugh said. “He could be a key for us. We could need him to eat up quality innings. He showed last year he is capable of that.”
Ricky Spain, a redshirt freshman right-hander from Norman, Okla., spent last year developing his skills. “He is another guy who would be thrown in early,” Crabaugh said. “He had a solid fall. He should be able to do what we need him to do. He will have a chance to pitch quality innings.”
Chad Nelson, a freshman righty from Edmond, Okla., will be available from the bullpen. “He's really come on,” Crabaugh said. “He would see quality innings. I like the way he pitches.”

The Stars will be working on the “the savvy game within the game” as they work to make their sixth consecutive World Series appearance.
“We have to stay away from injuries,” Crabaugh said. “Our depth is solid in most areas. It will depend on how new guys come in and compete. We have a chance to be really good. We fully expect to get back to Lewiston and compete for a national championship.”

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