Schedule
Hillsdale College (1-3) at California (PA) (2-0) | 12 p.m. ET Sunday, Feb. 25 | Wild Things Park – Washington, PA
Hillsdale College (1-3) at California (PA) (2-0) | 3 p.m. ET Sunday, Feb. 25 | Wild Things Park – Washington, PA
Hillsdale College (1-3) at California (PA) (2-0) | 1 p.m. ET Monday, Feb. 26 | Wild Things Park – Washington, PA
Links
Hillsdale Roster | Cal (PA) Roster | 2024 Hillsdale Stats | 2024 Cal (PA) Stats | G-MAC Standings | G-MAC Stats
Preview
The Hillsdale College baseball team is back in action this Sunday after finishing off a challenging weekend on a high note with a walk-off win over Wayne State last Sunday to prevent a sweep at the hands of the Warriors. Weather has already affected this week's series against California (PA), as the two teams will play a Sunday doubleheader, followed by a single game on Monday afternoon.
Entering the third year under head coach Tom Vessella, Hillsdale is coming off a season that saw them post the most conference wins in program history with 20, as well as a top four finish in the G-MAC regular season standings and a G-MAC Tournament appearance and victory.
The Vulcans posted a solid 29-21 record in 2023 with a win in the PSAC Tourney, and are off to a 2-0 start this season with two strong victories over Wheeling earlier in the weekend.
Cal (PA) returns an All-Region hitter and preseason All-American in junior second baseman Santino Marra, who posted a .404 batting average and 22 extra base hits as a leadoff or No. 2 hitter in every game for the Vulcans. Junior outfielder Ryan Callahan also returns after earning All-PSAC West honors last season, and junior infielder Payton Conte and senior catcher Jayden Taitano are also off to red-hot starts, with both batting .571 against Wheeling and Conte leading the team with seven RBIs so far.
On the mound, Cal (PA) returns junior ace Roman Gill, who was 3-4 with a 3.88 ERA and earned All-PSAC West honors in 2023, as well as sophomore Michael Valente, who won his first start against Wheeling with a 1.50 ERA. Junior Jackson Miller and sophomore Nathan Holmes also have significant starting experience for the Vulcans and could get the call this weekend.
In the bullpen, Cal (PA) has a preseason All-American to close in sophomore Jake Kramer, who finished with six saves and a 1.16 ERA in 17 relief appearances last season, never taking a loss. He already has a save in his lone appearance in 2024. Justin Naylor, Luke Treloar and Ryan Sluk are some of the other bullpen arms the Vulcans can call on if needed.
The Chargers have significant holes to fill in the lineup as well, but return many of their best hitters from 2023, led by returning All-Region first baseman Will Shannon, who hit .388 with 15 doubles and 13 home runs last season. Hillsdale also returns two big-time home run hitters in seniors Jeff Landis and Joe Hardenbergh, as well as two additional rock-solid four-year starters in centerfielder Danny Passinault and catcher Jaekob Sallee.
Nate Waligora and Zak Kent also performed well in part-time roles in 2023 and should get more playing time this year, while a mix of returning players and a strong freshman class will compete for playing time.
On the mound, the Chargers must replace ace Will Gifford and top closer Zane Barnhart, a 2023 MLB Draft pick, but do have experienced returning starters to lean on in seniors Tommy MacLean and Daly Skees, both of whom were solid for Hillsdale in 2023, as well as two other players with starting experience in Paul Brophy and Drew Olssen.
In the bullpen, replacing Barnhart will be a huge challenge. Hillsdale does have veterans who will contend for bigger roles, including seniors Chad Stevens, Brendan Pochmara and Devin Murray, and junior Brandon Scott, among others.
An X-factor for the Chargers as they look to assemble the best pitching staff possible is a talented freshman class that includes six right-handed arms who will compete for playing time both in the starting rotation and out of the bullpen, and could play a large role in the season to come depending on development.
This is the first meeting between the Chargers and California (PA) in recent times, as this is the first time Hillsdale has played the Vulcans since become a NCAA DII institution in 1990. This is the first of two series the Chargers will play against PSAC institutions, as Hillsdale also has three games lined up against Indiana (PA) in March.
Photo by Steve George