WINONA LAKE – The Grace College baseball program is poised to get the 2024 season underway. After recording the most conference wins and tying the record for overall wins, sixth-year head coach Ryan Roth and his squad look to build on that success.
"I am excited to watch our team compete,” Roth said. “We had a productive offseason and have improved in all facets of the game. Pitching, offense and defense all have taken a step forward.”
The Lancers return many key contributors from last year’s roster; the team will rely on their veteran leadership to guide the incoming class of freshman and transfer students.
“We have some exciting newcomers,” added Roth. “Transfers Ryan Stark, Matt Friesema, Blane Bradford and Addison Hickman bring collegiate experience. Freshman Steen Bellerjeau, Annikan Pettit and Kyle Showley will look to break into the lineup. A couple of key contributors returning from injury will give us a boost.”
Maximo De Leon had a standout 2023, his first in a Lancer uniform. He patrolled centerfield with great range, compiling a .975 fielding percentage with 115 putouts. At the plate, he smacked a team-record 64 hits with 19 extra base hits on a .344 batting average. On the basepaths, his speed translated into 29 stolen bases and 53 runs, both single season records at Grace.
Patrick Danforth returns after missing the 2023 season due to injury. The 2021 All-League performer looks to add more highlights to his career numbers. He currently ranks top five in career triples (8), career stolen bases (32) and single-season hits (63).
Hunter Schumacher will headline the relief corps after a highly productive 2023 campaign. The two-time All-League honoree nailed down six saves last year to extend his career saves record to 10. He made it difficult for opposing teams to score with a stingy 2.81 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 19 appearances.
Senior Evan Etchison continues his role as the No. 1 starter on the mound after receiving All-League honors again in 2023. Despite missing some time, he tossed 50.2 innings with 51 strikeouts, leading to a 4-2 overall record. He currently sits eighth in career wins (9) and second in career strikeouts (175).
Steven Hernandez adds depth to the starting rotation. His 2023 campaign consisted of a 4-4 record in 54.2 innings of work, while earning a CL Gold Glove award. He tallied 40 strikeouts over 13 appearances.
Austin Carr provides versatility to the Lancer lineup, serving time at multiple infield positions. Offensively, he brings experience to the lineup with over 400 career plate appearances. He batted .297 a year ago with 30 hits and 27 RBIs in 2023.
Josh Cosme had a breakout year in 2023, improving his batting average by nearly 100 points to .321. He finished second on the team with 50 hits and 12 doubles. Behind the dish, he threw out 13 runners attempting to steal.
“One of our goals is to continue to grow as a program and build on our recent success. We aim to carry that momentum into the postseason,” said Roth. “Our roster features speed, power bats, quality defenders and impactful arms. We will need to execute consistently in each phase of the game to reach our potential, but our team has a great work ethic and hunger for success.”
The Lancers start the spring with a trio of road trips before their home opener in late February at the newly renovated Tom Roy - UPI Park. The season opener from the Sunshine State took place on Feb. 1 against Keiser at 1 p.m.