Friday, February 26
Murray, KY
2 PM ET
Purdue Fort Wayne
at
Murray State
Aaron Chapman & Alex Evenson
2021 Baseball Season Preview - 'Dons Open at Murray State
2/25/2021 8:53:00 AM | Baseball
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Purdue Fort Wayne baseball team opens the 2021 season at Murray State this weekend. The Mastodons are scheduled to play four games against the Racers.
Game Day Information
When: Friday, February 26 | 2 PM ET (DH)
Saturday, February 27 | 1 PM ET (DH)
Where: Johnny Reagan Field | Murray, Ky.
Video: ESPN+ | Friday GM 1 | Friday GM 2 | Saturday GM 1 | Saturday GM 2
Live Stats: Link
Series History: Murray State leads 8-4
2021 Position Breakdown
CATCHER
Dylan Stewart returns at catcher after an impressive 2020 season in which he hit .381 and led the team in on-base percentage (.509) and stolen bases (5). The fleet-footed junior started 13-of-15 games behind the plate for the Mastodons last spring. Senior Andrew Lawvere, who served as the 'Dons starting catcher in 2019, will move back behind the plate and split time with Stewart this season, after garnering most of his playing time at first base in 2020. Lawvere hit .300 with eight RBIs last spring and provides steady, right-handed power to the middle of the 'Dons lineup.
Grad transfer Andrew Arteaga has impressed as a dependable receiver and at 6-3 and 245 pounds, brings a strong, left-handed hitting option to the position. Freshman Brooks Sailors has shown good arm strength and a developing left-handed bat and will provide depth behind the dish while battling for playing time.
THE CORNERS
The left-handed, hard-hitting duo of senior Alex Evenson and sophomore newcomer Ryan Robison will both see action at first base for the 'Dons this spring. The two provide quality middle of the order bats and will also be counted on as left-handed options out of the Mastodons' bullpen. Lawvere could also see some time at first base when not catching.
Third base will be manned by Trenton Stoner who will look to build off a respectful 2020 spring. The senior had an impressive fall and should drive the ball more for the 'Dons this spring. Switch-hitting sophomore Luke Miles and redshirt sophomore Brian Erbe will provide quality depth for the 'Dons at the hot corner. Zac Baden, Jack Lang, and Sailors could also see time at third base.
UP THE MIDDLE
Aaron Chapman returns at second base after leading the Summit League in hitting last season. The junior infielder combines speed and power from the leadoff position and led the 'Dons in 10 offensive categories, including batting average (.382), runs (16) and RBIs (11).
Jack Lang will be back at shortstop this spring where he started all 15 games the 'Dons played in 2020. The senior hit .290 and led the team with seven doubles as well as finishing second in runs scored (15) and stolen bases (4). Junior college transfer Zac Baden brings a steady glove and valuable versatility to the Mastodon infield. The redshirt sophomore should see quality time at both middle infield spots for the 'Dons this spring. Stoner adds starting experience at second base for the 'Dons while Miles and Erbe provide even more depth at both shortstop and second base if needed.
OUTFIELD
Senior Garett Lake returns for his second season patrolling center field for the 'Dons. The all-around talented and emotional leader for the 'Dons hit .339 with nine RBIs, 10 runs scored, and a .424 on-base percentage.
Left-handed hitting newcomer Justin Greene brings a strong arm and good speed to the right field position. The junior college transfer is capable of driving the ball to the gaps and runs the bases aggressively. Robert Young III returns for his final season as a Mastodon and should see time in both left and right field. The 5th-year senior gives the 'Dons a legitimate power and speed threat in the middle of the batting order.
Lucas Kolovitz hit .275 in 12 starts for the 'Dons last spring and will see time at both corner outfield spots in 2021. The left-handed hitting sophomore has good size and strength and could also provide the 'Dons a strong stick at designated hitter or off the bench. Senior Evan Huffman adds another right-handed hitting option in left field or at the DH position. Freshman Garrett Maish and sophomore Ryan Mollette have good range and speed and provide quality depth at all three outfield positions. Stewart could also see some time in left field when not catching. Freshman Mason Douglas will redshirt this spring.
STARTING PITCHERS
Cameron Boyd returns for his senior year to lead the Mastodons' pitching staff. The strong right-hander is coming off a solid 2020 campaign in which he was 2-2 in four quality starts while striking out 21 in 23 innings pitched.
Left-hander Justin Miller returns to the starting rotation after going 1-1 in three starts for the 'Dons last spring. The hard-throwing junior struck out 20 in 16.2 innings pitched and held opposing hitters to a .281 average.
Junior college transfer Jacob Myer from Iowa Lakes Community College has been impressive during his short time in Fort Wayne and is slated to start for the 'Dons this spring. The 6-4 lefty is a strong worker and solid competitor.
Redshirt sophomore Michael Madura served as the main arm out of the bullpen for the 'Dons in 2020 and brings solid experience to the starting rotation this spring. The 6-6 right-hander was moved to the starting rotation last March and was prepared to make his first start just when the season was canceled.
BULLPEN
Junior college transfer Gerald Pintarich will be one of the main arms out of the bullpen this spring. The sophomore right-hander has Division I starting experience at Mississippi Valley State and may have some opportunities to start for the 'Dons in 2021. Freshman Kevin Fee will also play a key role in relief for the Mastodons this season. The 6-5 right-hander has a high ceiling and projects to be a weekend starter for the 'Dons in the near future.
Evenson and Robison will be solid left-handed relief options for the Mastodons this spring. Evenson led the staff in 2020 with a 3.60 ERA, while earning a save over three relief appearances and holding opponents to a meager .125 batting average.
Senior Trevor Armstrong has logged 76 innings and earned three wins in his career as Mastodon. Right-handers Cade Willard, Brian Skelton, Nate Hefle, Sean Ferguson and Will Wentz return another combined 60 innings of mostly relief experience and will help anchor the Mastodon bullpen.
The right-handed freshmen trio of Sam Assaf, Austin Holt and Teddy Eyink will provide needed depth out of the pen. Lang could also be used in relief at times.
Game Day Information
When: Friday, February 26 | 2 PM ET (DH)
Saturday, February 27 | 1 PM ET (DH)
Where: Johnny Reagan Field | Murray, Ky.
Video: ESPN+ | Friday GM 1 | Friday GM 2 | Saturday GM 1 | Saturday GM 2
Live Stats: Link
Series History: Murray State leads 8-4
| vs Murray State University | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/11/2011 | at | Murray State | W | 9-2 | Murray, Ky. | |
| 03/12/2011 | at | Murray State | L | 5-3 | Murray, Ky. | |
| 03/12/2011 | at | Murray State | L | 9-0 | Murray, Ky. | |
| 03/13/2011 | at | Murray State | L | 4-1 | Murray, Ky. | |
| 02/21/2015 | at | Murray State | L | 4-1 | Emerson, Ga. | |
| 02/22/2015 | at | Murray State | W | 20-3 | Emerson, Ga. | |
| 02/22/2015 | at | Murray State | W | 12-11 | Emerson, Ga. | |
| 03/07/2016 | at | Murray State | L | 9-4 | Murray, Ky. | |
| 03/02/2018 | at | Murray State | W | 7-5 | Murray, Ky. | |
| 03/03/2018 | at | Murray State | L | 16-4 | Murray, Ky. | |
| 03/03/2018 | at | Murray State | L | 15-4 | Murray, Ky. | |
| 03/04/2018 | at | Murray State | L | 13-2 | Murray, Ky. | |
2021 Position Breakdown
CATCHER
Dylan Stewart returns at catcher after an impressive 2020 season in which he hit .381 and led the team in on-base percentage (.509) and stolen bases (5). The fleet-footed junior started 13-of-15 games behind the plate for the Mastodons last spring. Senior Andrew Lawvere, who served as the 'Dons starting catcher in 2019, will move back behind the plate and split time with Stewart this season, after garnering most of his playing time at first base in 2020. Lawvere hit .300 with eight RBIs last spring and provides steady, right-handed power to the middle of the 'Dons lineup.
Grad transfer Andrew Arteaga has impressed as a dependable receiver and at 6-3 and 245 pounds, brings a strong, left-handed hitting option to the position. Freshman Brooks Sailors has shown good arm strength and a developing left-handed bat and will provide depth behind the dish while battling for playing time.
| 2 | Dylan Stewart | R/R | 5-10 | 165 | Jr. | Milford, Ohio (Milford HS) |
| 38 | Andrew Lawvere | R/R | 5-10 | 195 | Sr. | Upland, Ind. (Eastbrook HS) |
| 37 | Andrew Arteaga | L/R | 6-3 | 245 | 5th Yr | Torrance, Calif. (Mira Costa HS/Loyola Marymount ) |
| 29 | Brooks Sailors | L/R | 6-0 | 165 | Fr. | Battle Ground, Ind. (Frontier HS) |
THE CORNERS
The left-handed, hard-hitting duo of senior Alex Evenson and sophomore newcomer Ryan Robison will both see action at first base for the 'Dons this spring. The two provide quality middle of the order bats and will also be counted on as left-handed options out of the Mastodons' bullpen. Lawvere could also see some time at first base when not catching.
| 7 | Alex Evenson | L/L | 6-1 | 180 | Sr. | Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnehaha Academy/Century) |
| 36 | Ryan Robison | L/L | 6-3 | 250 | So. | New Albany, Ind. (New Albany HS/Vincennes) |
Third base will be manned by Trenton Stoner who will look to build off a respectful 2020 spring. The senior had an impressive fall and should drive the ball more for the 'Dons this spring. Switch-hitting sophomore Luke Miles and redshirt sophomore Brian Erbe will provide quality depth for the 'Dons at the hot corner. Zac Baden, Jack Lang, and Sailors could also see time at third base.
| 8 | Trenton Stoner | R/R | 6-0 | 190 | Sr. | Granger, Ind. (Clay HS) |
| 21 | Luke Miles | S/R | 6-2 | 180 | So. | Morgantown, Ind. (Franklin Community HS) |
| 12 | Brian Erbe | R/R | 6-1 | 185 | So. | Dayton, Ohio (Oakwood HS) |
UP THE MIDDLE
Aaron Chapman returns at second base after leading the Summit League in hitting last season. The junior infielder combines speed and power from the leadoff position and led the 'Dons in 10 offensive categories, including batting average (.382), runs (16) and RBIs (11).
Jack Lang will be back at shortstop this spring where he started all 15 games the 'Dons played in 2020. The senior hit .290 and led the team with seven doubles as well as finishing second in runs scored (15) and stolen bases (4). Junior college transfer Zac Baden brings a steady glove and valuable versatility to the Mastodon infield. The redshirt sophomore should see quality time at both middle infield spots for the 'Dons this spring. Stoner adds starting experience at second base for the 'Dons while Miles and Erbe provide even more depth at both shortstop and second base if needed.
| 13 | Aaron Chapman | R/R | 6-0 | 195 | Jr. | Waterford, Wis. (Waterford Union HS) |
| 5 | Jack Lang | R/R | 6-0 | 185 | Sr. | Fishers, Ind. (Hamilton Southeastern HS) |
| 10 | Zac Baden | R/R | 6-0 | 190 | So. | Poplar Grove, Ill. (North Boone HS/Rock Valley CC) |
OUTFIELD
Senior Garett Lake returns for his second season patrolling center field for the 'Dons. The all-around talented and emotional leader for the 'Dons hit .339 with nine RBIs, 10 runs scored, and a .424 on-base percentage.
Left-handed hitting newcomer Justin Greene brings a strong arm and good speed to the right field position. The junior college transfer is capable of driving the ball to the gaps and runs the bases aggressively. Robert Young III returns for his final season as a Mastodon and should see time in both left and right field. The 5th-year senior gives the 'Dons a legitimate power and speed threat in the middle of the batting order.
Lucas Kolovitz hit .275 in 12 starts for the 'Dons last spring and will see time at both corner outfield spots in 2021. The left-handed hitting sophomore has good size and strength and could also provide the 'Dons a strong stick at designated hitter or off the bench. Senior Evan Huffman adds another right-handed hitting option in left field or at the DH position. Freshman Garrett Maish and sophomore Ryan Mollette have good range and speed and provide quality depth at all three outfield positions. Stewart could also see some time in left field when not catching. Freshman Mason Douglas will redshirt this spring.
| 16 | Garett Lake | L/L | 6-0 | 200 | Sr. | Henderson, Nev. (Coronado HS/Pima CC) |
| 9 | Justin Greene | L/L | 6-0 | 195 | Jr. | Carmel, Ind. (Carmel HS/Ivy Tech) |
| 24 | Robert Young III | R/R | 6-2 | 210 | 5th Yr. | Indianapolis, Ind. (North Central HS) |
| 22 | Lucas Kolovitz | L/R | 6-1 | 205 | So. | Oak Park, Ill. (Fenwick HS) |
| 11 | Evan Huffman | R/R | 6-1 | 185 | Sr. | Warren, Ind. (Southern Wells HS/Ivy Tech) |
| 1 | Garrett Maish | R/R | 5-7 | 170 | Fr. | Lafayette, Ind. (McCutcheon HS) |
| 6 | Ryan Mollette | L/L | 5-8 | 160 | So. | Ludlow Falls, Ohio (Newton Local HS) |
| 27 | Mason Douglas | L/L | 6-2 | 195 | Fr. | Romney, Ind. (McCutcheon HS) |
STARTING PITCHERS
Cameron Boyd returns for his senior year to lead the Mastodons' pitching staff. The strong right-hander is coming off a solid 2020 campaign in which he was 2-2 in four quality starts while striking out 21 in 23 innings pitched.
Left-hander Justin Miller returns to the starting rotation after going 1-1 in three starts for the 'Dons last spring. The hard-throwing junior struck out 20 in 16.2 innings pitched and held opposing hitters to a .281 average.
Junior college transfer Jacob Myer from Iowa Lakes Community College has been impressive during his short time in Fort Wayne and is slated to start for the 'Dons this spring. The 6-4 lefty is a strong worker and solid competitor.
Redshirt sophomore Michael Madura served as the main arm out of the bullpen for the 'Dons in 2020 and brings solid experience to the starting rotation this spring. The 6-6 right-hander was moved to the starting rotation last March and was prepared to make his first start just when the season was canceled.
| 20 | Cameron Boyd | R/R | 6-3 | 200 | Sr. | Fishers, Ind. (Fishers HS) |
| 18 | Justin Miller | L/L | 5-9 | 180 | Jr. | Roanoke, Ind. (Homestead HS) |
| 17 | Jacob Myer | L/L | 6-4 | 200 | So. | Milwaukee, Wis. (Rufus King HS/Iowa Lakes CC) |
| 23 | Michael Madura | R/R | 6-6 | 205 | Jr. | Munster, Ind. (Munster HS/South Suburban) |
BULLPEN
Junior college transfer Gerald Pintarich will be one of the main arms out of the bullpen this spring. The sophomore right-hander has Division I starting experience at Mississippi Valley State and may have some opportunities to start for the 'Dons in 2021. Freshman Kevin Fee will also play a key role in relief for the Mastodons this season. The 6-5 right-hander has a high ceiling and projects to be a weekend starter for the 'Dons in the near future.
Evenson and Robison will be solid left-handed relief options for the Mastodons this spring. Evenson led the staff in 2020 with a 3.60 ERA, while earning a save over three relief appearances and holding opponents to a meager .125 batting average.
Senior Trevor Armstrong has logged 76 innings and earned three wins in his career as Mastodon. Right-handers Cade Willard, Brian Skelton, Nate Hefle, Sean Ferguson and Will Wentz return another combined 60 innings of mostly relief experience and will help anchor the Mastodon bullpen.
The right-handed freshmen trio of Sam Assaf, Austin Holt and Teddy Eyink will provide needed depth out of the pen. Lang could also be used in relief at times.
| 19 | Gerald Pintarich | R/R | 6-1 | 195 | So. | St. Clairsville, Ohio (Martins Ferry HS/Cuyahoga CC) |
| 32 | Kevin Fee | R/R | 6-5 | 220 | Fr. | New Albany, Ohio (New Albany HS) |
| 36 | Ryan Robison | L/L | 6-3 | 250 | So. | New Albany, Ind. (New Albany HS/ Vincennes) |
| 7 | Alex Evenson | L/L | 6-1 | 180 | Sr. | Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnehaha Academy/Century) |
| 3 | Trevor Armstrong | R/R | 6-0 | 190 | Sr. | Fort Wayne, Ind. (Snider HS) |
| 15 | William Wentz | R/R | 6-2 | 185 | Sr. | Indianapolis, Ind. (Brebeuf Jesuit HS/Kankakee CC) |
| 25 | Cade Willard | R/R | 6-1 | 190 | Sr. | Butler, Ind. (Eastside HS) |
| 35 | Sean Ferguson | R/R | 6-4 | 220 | Sr. | New Haven, Ind. (New Haven HS/Parkland) |
| 33 | Nathan Hefle | R/R | 6-0 | 200 | Sr. | Germantown, Wis. (Germantown HS) |
| 14 | Brian Skelton | R/R | 6-2 | 205 | Jr. | Westfield, Ind. (Westfield HS) |
| 40 | Sam Assaf | R/R | 6-0 | 170 | Fr. | Flushing, Mich. (Powers Catholic HS) |
| 31 | Austin Holt | R/R | 6-3 | 205 | Fr. | Kokomo, Ind. (Lewis Cass HS) |
| 34 | Teddy Eyink | R/R | 6-3 | 220 | Fr. | Hinckley, Ohio (St. Ignatius HS) |
| 5 | Jack Lang | R/R | 6-1 | 190 | Sr. | Fishers, Ind. (Hamilton Southeastern HS) |
~ Feel the Rumble ~
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