Season Preview: Cougar Baseball Poised For Resurgence in 2021

Saturday, February 20

Patriots Point

2:00 PM

College of Charleston

North Carolina A&T

Tickets

Season Preview: Cougar Baseball Poised For Resurgence in 2021

2/18/2021 2:14:00 PM | Baseball

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Lineup cards have been printed, the infield has been manicured to perfection and in just a few short hours, the College of Charleston baseball team will take the field to begin the 2021 season.

There will be no shortage of familiar faces on the diamond for the Cougars this season thanks to the NCAA's decision to allow 2020 seniors to return for another chance at glory this spring. All but six members of last season's squad are back in the fold for the 2021 campaign, including returning seniors Ari Sechopoulos, Tradd James, Harrison Hawkins, Luke Stageberg, Jordan Carr and Steven Cook, who will look to lead the Cougars back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015.

"We are so excited about getting our season started!" Holbrook said. "College baseball is special and this weekend seems to be taking on some added significance with all that has transpired. Our players have consistently worked hard in preparing for this season, and we will need to continue to improve as the season progresses because there are some big challenges on our schedule. Patriots Point is a special place in the spring and we are thrilled about getting out on the field and representing The College."

On the Mound
The Cougars' weekend rotation is expected to be a formidable strength for an already deep and talented roster. Carr is slated to resume his duties as Charleston's Friday night starter after posting a 1-0 record with a 3.60 ERA and 24 strikeouts in four starts last season. Returning freshmen Caswell Smith, Ty Good and Trey Pooser will round out an impressive starting rotation for the Cougars.

In the bullpen, James and junior Zach Williams will be called upon to shoulder much of the load this spring, while junior Ryan Smith, redshirt sophomore Brooks Lucas and freshman Connor Campbell are expected to log significant innings in relief as well.

Cook and junior Grant Smith, along with freshmen CJ Czerwinski, Guillermo Granier, William Privette, Michael Schultz are expected to compete for innings out of the bullpen. Freshmen Bryce Brown, Emmett Bice, Jack Thomas and Bobby Alexander, along with sophomore Zac Branham, will provide relief depth as well.

In the Infield
The Cougars will benefit from a talented and experienced infield corps led by Sechopoulos and fellow senior Luke Stageberg at first and second, respectively. Sechopoulos was off to a torrid start in 2020 before the campaign was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, batting .360 with two homers and 20 RBI in 14 games last season.

Returning freshman Trotter Harlan is expected to resume his role as the Cougars' everyday shortstop while fellow freshman Joseph Mershon and sophomore transfer Cam Dean will compete for the starting job at third base this spring. Sophomore Jared Kirven will handle the bulk of the catching duties in 2021 after starting 10 of the Cougars' 14 games behind the plate last season.

Sophomore Tanner McCallister and returning freshman Jaxon Weatherford are expected to split time at DH while Mershon and sophomore Landon Choboy will compete for playing time behind the dish. Freshmen Wyatt Castoe, Nick Dagnello, Will Baumhofer, Ben Wetenhall and Jackson Boyd are expected to provide depth around the infield. Jonathan Barham, Clark Burroughs and Tanner Steffy will supply depth at the catching position as well.

In the Outfield
Charleston's outfield will feature several familiar faces from last year's squad including Hawkins and junior Donald Hansis, who will patrol left and right field, respectively, for the Cougars this season. Hawkins batted .333 with 12 RBI and a team-high seven doubles in 2020 while Hansis led the team with five homers to go along with 14 runs driven in.

Redshirt junior McLendon Sears and freshman Brody Hopkins are expected to compete for the starting job in center field, while returning freshman Sajon Belser will be counted on to provide a spark off the bench. Freshmen Matt Lobeck and Cason Whitmire will provide depth in the outfield as well.

Weekend Preview
The Cougars will open the 2021 campaign with a three-game series against North Carolina A&T at Patriots Point this weekend. First pitch for Friday's series opener is slated for 4:00 p.m.