Baseball 2/3/2016 2:09:00 PM

Stars hold high hopes for upcoming season

OCU stands fifth in NAIA rankings, carry expectations to win SAC

Oklahoma City University has gathered hungry veterans, talented newcomers and a singular focus in an effort to field a national title contender in NAIA baseball.
Oklahoma City fell just short of making its 15th appearance in the NAIA World Series last year. In 2015, the Stars captured the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament championship and reached the top spot in the national rankings in going 46-13.
The Stars launch their quest for their first national championship since 2005 when OCU takes on Evangel (Mo.) in a noon doubleheader Thursday at Jim Wade Stadium. Fans can watch the game live by going here. Cost to watch each game will be $7.95, while a season pass to watch the video costs $59.95.
Since 1992, Oklahoma City boasts of more wins (1,207) than any college baseball program in the country. Florida State and OCU are tied with 1,248 wins for the more college baseball victories since 1991.
OCU's rise to No. 1 and deep postseason run last year has hopes running high entering this season.
"This is the best overall team we've had on paper in three years," said OCU coach Denney Crabaugh, who has guided his team to 1,314 wins, 12 World Series trips and the 2005 national title in 27 years in charge. "We have good number of returners. This is the deepest pitching staff we've had since 2005. We are talking about quality arms. We have made significant upgrades to our team power and speed over the past few years."
Jared Baker provides leadership by example with his daily tenacity and will to win. Baker, a junior outfielder from Edmond, Okla., posted a .342 batting average, 16 doubles, four home runs and 44 RBIs with second-team all-SAC honors and a league gold glove last year.
"You know what you're getting with him day in and day out," Crabaugh said of Baker. "He has worked hard on his defensive skills."
J.J. Bissell will anchor the offensive lineup with his ability to drive the ball. Bissell, a senior infielder from Fort Collins, Colo., supplied OCU with a .330 average, 11 doubles, 13 homers, 55 homers and nine stolen bases while landing first-team all-league with a gold glove in 2015.
"He adds power and drives in runs," Crabaugh said. "He has worked on not striking out as much and making more contact."
Matt Young comes back after making the Opening Day start on the mound last year. Young, a junior right-hander from Glendora, Calif., finished 9-0 with a 3.14 earned run average and 91 strikeouts in 77.1 innings.
"Every time he goes out we expect him to do well," Crabaugh said about Young. "He has come back this year and wants to do better. He is a much better pitcher. We like our chances of winning with him."
The Stars roster includes more promising new faces and proven contributors:

Infield

Hunter Marcum will boost OCU's infield with his leadership and steady glove. Marcum, a senior from Purcell, Okla., hit .250 with six doubles, a triple and 13 runs driven in last year.
"He is a team leader," Crabaugh said. "He truly understands what it means to wear the uniform."
Landon Coon transferred to OCU after being SAC player of the year last season with Oklahoma Baptist. Coon, a senior from Dale, Okla., had a .430 average, 16 doubles, eight triples, 13 homers, 71 RBIs and 16 steals as a junior.
"We are very happy he's with us," Crabaugh said. "If he puts up the numbers he had last year, we will have a successful year."
Joe Lytle had a productive freshman year with a .381 average, 27 doubles, four triples, three homers, 52 RBIs and 11 steals while earning first-team all-conference acclaim. Lytle, a sophomore from Yukon, Okla., could man catcher, first base, outfield or designated hitter.
Crabaugh said of Lytle: "We expect him to do the same things he did last year. He has improved his catching skills."
Dylan Delso provides offensive punch and will look to fill a void at catcher. Delso, a senior from Broken Arrow, Okla., produced a .298 average, 11 doubles, six homers and 46 RBIs.
"He has done a lot of work on his swing," Crabaugh said of Delso. "We expect him to show more power. He will be counted on to drive in runs and be a run producer."
Garrett Foster aims to show the offense he displayed as a true freshman. Foster, a sophomore from Ardmore, Okla., returns to active play after redshirting in 2015. Foster put up a .290 average, nine doubles, a triple, two homers and 19 RBIs in 2014.
"He's put on strength," Crabaugh said of Foster. "He looks good. He adds a right-handed power bat. He has juice. He's hungry after a year layoff."
Skyler Bean could make an impact offensively and defensively. Bean, a junior from Garland, Texas, hit .315 with eight homers and 36 RBIs for Howard (Texas) last season.
Crabaugh on Bean: "He is a solid defensive shortstop with surprising power. He will anchor the infield defense."

Outfield

Dilon Argo, a senior from Jenks, Okla., came to Oklahoma City after turning in a .320 average, 15 homers and 73 RBIs for Central Oklahoma the past three years.
"He adds speed to the team," Crabaugh said. "He wants to play for a championship. He has juice in his bat, too. He is a solid defensive outfielder."
Joe Haddox, a senior from Moore, Okla., looks to improve his numbers from 2015 of a .224 average, three doubles, 10 runs brought in and 15 steals.
"He is a returner who is looking to have a much better year than last year," Crabaugh said. "He is a good defensive outfielder with good speed."
Cory Linn brings a power bat to the lineup. Linn, a junior from Moore, Okla., recorded a .357 average, 11 homers and 64 RBIs and became second-team all-conference for Cowley County (Kan.) last year.
"He is a big-time right-handed power hitter," Crabaugh said of Linn. "He runs well for a big guy. He is a middle of the lineup hitter we are counting to be productive."
Ryan Rigsby, a freshman from Wylie, Texas, will provide the Stars with a backup in the outfield. Crabaugh on Rigsby: "He will be a role player."

Pitching

Carlos Chavez emerged as OCU's ace pitcher last year. Chavez, a senior right-hander from Rio Rancho, N.M., racked up an 8-0 record with a 2.02 ERA, 118 strikeouts and two complete games in 98 innings pitched last year. He drew second-team all-conference recognition.
"We are counting on him to put up same numbers as last year," Crabaugh said. "He's going to see time as a position player. He is the most athletic and versatile player on the team and could play any position."
Jake Carson offers a right-handed option in the bullpen. Carson, a senior righty from Auburn, Wash., had 10 strikeouts in 11.1 innings last year.
"He provides quality depth in the bullpen," Crabaugh said.
Grant Hamilton will have opportunities to start as well as come out of the bullpen. Hamilton, a senior righty from Oklahoma City, was 2-1 with two saves, a 5.01 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 55.2 innings in 2015.
"He is a workhorse and a bulldog on the mound," Crabaugh said of Hamilton. "He gives us his best effort each time."
Skylar Janisse turned in his best outings the final month of the season last year. Janisse, a senior right-hander from Maidstone, Ontario, Canada, went 4-5 with 54 strikeouts in 58 innings as a junior. Crabaugh on Janisse: "He came on at the end of the year."
Holden Lyons served as the Stars' relief ace last season. Lyons, a junior righty from Edmond, Okla., posted an 8-3 record, six saves, 2.22 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 48.2 innings in 2015.
"He really came through for us last year," Crabaugh said of Lyons. "He wants the ball in any situation."
Ricky Spain is the team's only fifth-year senior. Spain, a senior right-hander from Norman, Okla., has a 2-1 record with 18 strikeouts in 42.1 innings in his career.
"He really understand and appreciates what it takes to be in the program," Crabaugh said. "He competes and gives us everything."
Ken Williams has earned a niche facing left-handed hitters. Williams, a junior left-hander from Renton, Wash., notched his first career win in four appearances last year.
Crabaugh said, "He could see an increased role."
Kenny Roder has a chance to make an immediate impact in the starting rotation. Roder, a junior left-hander from Hoboken, N.J., logged a 7-0 record, 2.18 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 70.1 innings while drawing all-region honors last year for Howard (Texas).
"He competes," Crabaugh said of Roder. "He is a much needed left-handed starter. I expect a big year from him and to give him the ball and have a good chance of winning."
Ricky Parra could also make the Stars' rotation. Parra, a junior righty from Bronx, N.Y., was 11-2 with a 2.10 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 73 innings for Western Oklahoma State last year.
"He is a highly competitive pitcher," Crabaugh said. "He throws three pitches for strikes."
Garrett Pike, a freshman right-hander from Southampton, N.Y., has a no-hitter on his high school resume. Pike is the brother of former OCU pitcher Chris Pike. Crabaugh on Pike: "We expect him to be in our plans in the future."
Mark Simon will get the chance to either be in the rotation or bullpen. Simon, a junior right-hander from Houston, registered a 6-1 record, 4.98 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 68.2 innings.
"He has tremendous stuff," Crabaugh said of Simon. "He throws strikes and nasty at times."
Chance Weinstein joined OCU from Dallas Christian. Crabaugh on Weinstein, a junior right-hander from Plano, Texas: "He pitches from different arm angles."

The Stars will enter the season holding the fifth spot among the NAIA rankings and the favorite's role in the SAC. OCU's schedule features four preseason top-25 teams.
"We are back to respectability, but now it's time to get back to Lewiston and win a national championship," Crabaugh said. "The team has been focused on that since the fall. The team is on the same page. The team chemistry is the best it's been in a long time. This is about as excited as I've been in a while. The schedule is going to be demanding. We'll see where we are. This team has a chance to hang another banner."

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Players Mentioned

#21 Jared Baker: OF; 6' 1"; Junior; L/R

#27 J.J. Bissell: INF; 6' 2"; Senior; L/R

#17 Jake Carson: RHP; 6' 4"; Senior; S/R

#6 Carlos Chavez: RHP; 6' 0"; Senior; R/R

#13 Dylan Delso: C/OF; 6' 0"; Senior; S/R

#4 Garrett Foster: INF; 6' 0"; Sophomore; R/R

#19 Joe Haddox: OF; 6' 3"; Senior; L/L

#10 Grant Hamilton: RHP; 6' 0"; Senior; R/R

#35 Skylar Janisse: RHP; 6' 4"; Senior; R/R

#25 Holden Lyons: RHP; 6' 1"; Junior; R/R

#11 Joe Lytle: C; 6' 0"; Sophomore; L/R

#2 Hunter Marcum: INF; 6' 1"; Senior; L/R

Players Mentioned

#21 Jared Baker
: 6' 1"; Junior; L/R
: OF

#27 J.J. Bissell
: 6' 2"; Senior; L/R
: INF

#17 Jake Carson
: 6' 4"; Senior; S/R
: RHP

#6 Carlos Chavez
: 6' 0"; Senior; R/R
: RHP

#13 Dylan Delso
: 6' 0"; Senior; S/R
: C/OF

#4 Garrett Foster
: 6' 0"; Sophomore; R/R
: INF

#19 Joe Haddox
: 6' 3"; Senior; L/L
: OF

#10 Grant Hamilton
: 6' 0"; Senior; R/R
: RHP

#35 Skylar Janisse
: 6' 4"; Senior; R/R
: RHP

#25 Holden Lyons
: 6' 1"; Junior; R/R
: RHP

#11 Joe Lytle
: 6' 0"; Sophomore; L/R
: C

#2 Hunter Marcum
: 6' 1"; Senior; L/R
: INF