UTB/TSC Scorpions News
Pitcher Zach Armstrong
Pitcher Zach Armstrong
Baseball - 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Each year since joining the NAIA since 2007, the UTB/TSC baseball team has improved on its record from the previous year.

 

With five years of progress, expectations are as high as they have ever been for the Scorpions in 2012.

 

Under head coach Bryan Aughney, the Scorpions have posted winning records in the last two seasons, reaching the NAIA National Championship Opening Round both times. After a 28-31 record in 2009, the Scorpions went 31-24 in 2010 and 35-26 in 2011.

 

Aughney starts his fourth season with a 94-81 record (.537), six wins shy of his 100th victory as a head coach.

 

With nine seniors on a 32-man roster and a group of impressive recruits, the Scorpions could make some serious noise in the Red River Athletic Conference, where they have finished second two straight years.

 

"Three years ago we were still finding our way," Aughney said. "But the progress we have made and what we have built would not be possible without those teams that used grit and determination to play the way they did – that has now led us to this season.  Our goals remain the same - number one we want a conference championship, then go into the national tournament playing our best baseball and be the last team standing."

 

UTB/TSC received votes in the Coaches' Top 25 poll, a sign of building a reputation of a program that has earned respect.

  
Four Scorpions are named on the NAIA "Players to Watch" list in the January issue of Collegiate Baseball newspaper. They include senior first baseman Matt Ginn, senior shortstop Joel Fernandez, senior outfielder Peter Maldonado and junior transfer K.J. Semien.
  

"Making the postseason the past two seasons has helped us greatly," Aughney said. "The exposure really helps in recruiting, we are showing progression each year – our guys know, understand, and believe in what we are doing and in the goals we have set going into the season."

 

The Scorpions lost NAIA Second Team All-America and RRAC Pitcher of the Year Danny Gidora, but Aughney has brought in several new pitchers and some offensive punch.

 

"I am very excited about our recruiting class, because we worked very hard on bringing in quality players and people," Aughney said. "I believe we did that – we were able to raise our talent level with quality people.  Thus far this has been a great group to work with, they are hungry and are here for the right reasons."

Pitching

 

The Scorpions will carry 17 pitchers on the 32-man active roster.

 

"Pitching-wise, this is the most depth we have ever had, and we have a good mix of guys," Aughney said. "Each one brings something a little different to the mound.  We have options here and guys that have really sold out to our philosophy and to what Coach (Wade) Pope is doing with them.  It may take us some time to develop into roles but the beauty about that group is the unselfishness they have for one another."

 

The Scorpions will have 14 right-handers and three left-handers, including returning starter Zach Armstrong (2-2, 4.94 ERA) and reliever Brody Chamberlain (0-2, 5.87). Marcos de Leon, who recorded a 5-2 record with a 4.24 ERA at Wiley College in 2011, is expected to make an impact on the team as well.

 

The group of returning right-handed pitchers is led by returning starters Baylr Bickerton (1-1, 4.19) and Mitch Schaafsma (6-5, 5.27). Sam Buchanan and Adam Vera, who were relievers last year, are also back, along with Matt Leffler, Gilbert Hinojosa, and Salvador Villalpando.

 

Among the new right-handed pitchers is junior transfer Rory Young, who was drafted in the 39th round by the Houston Astros in 2009. However, Young went the college route, and played the last two years at Cochise College (Ariz.).

 

Three other transfers -- juniors Nick Wheeler and Kale Wierenga and sophomore Trevor Guston, have experience at the junior college level.

 

New right-handed pitchers out of high school include Austin Bickerton, Ryan Moye, and Albert Vallejo.

 

"Our transfers all have college experience and have been successful at it," Aughney said. "Combine them with our returning arms and the very talented freshman class – we have great depth on the mound that gives us many options for season."

 

Offense

"During our scrimmages, we showed that we have a tough line-up 1-9," Aughney said. "And each guy can drive in runs and make something happen.  And off the bench we will always have guys ready to go as well, if we are able to execute offensively it will make for a very exciting team to watch."

 

Senior Peter Maldonado (.337) returns in the outfield, but Semien, Zach Cordia and Colby Henscey figure to be solid in the field as well. Semien and Cordia are both transfers from Angelina College, and Henscey transfers from Ranger College.

  
"Semien, Cordia, and Henscey in the outfield are all very good players and will help on defense and to be impact guys offensively," Aughney said.
  
In the infield, the Scorpions return experience at three positions. Catcher Gus Henggeler, first baseman Matt Ginn, and shortstop Joel Fernandez will provide the leadership. Third baseman Kyle Douglass, second baseman Scott Frazier, and returner Robert Garza will be competing for playing time.
  
Other returners in the infield include catcher Juan Munoz, catcher-outfielder Brad Regehr, first baseman Ricardo Alanis, transfer second baseman  Javier Lozano, and utility player Robert Mariscal.
  
"They all bring tremendous energy to the infield and will provide some exciting times offensively," Aughney said.
 

Final Season
 

The university administration has announced that the 2012 season will the last one for the Scorpion baseball team.
  
"It has been a tough pill to swallow, that's for sure," Aughney said. "Our players came here to play ball for four years and to continue building what we have going.    I don't know if we needed much more motivation as a whole, if anything this has got everyone both feet in and fighting the same fight.  We will make this group one to remember – and make sure this program isn't forgotten."