Baseball eyes strong 2020 season

The Muskingum baseball team, under the direction of veteran Head Coach Gregg Thompson, looks to build and improve from last season and compete for success in the Ohio Athletic Conference this spring. 

Leading the way for the Muskies this season will be sophomore outfielder Brett Carson, senior pitcher Holden Martin, junior outfielder Matt Stewart, sophomore infielder Trey Yoder, sophomore pitcher Jake Norris, and senior pitcher Josh Bigrigg.

Carson started in all 37 games for the Muskies and led the team in numerous hitting categories including batting average (.319), hits (46), doubles (9), RBIs (27), walks (25), and total bases (55). Carson was recognized for his play last season with Honorable Mention All-OAC accolades.

Martin played in 31 games last season and earned 21 hits, was second on the team in doubles with seven, had nine RBIs, and hit .253. He also saw time on the mound for the Muskies pitching 21.1 innings and notched 13 strikeouts.

Stewart was second on the squad registering 41 hits, with six doubles, 16 RBIs, and hit .283. He started in all 37 games for the Muskies. Yoder appeared in 37 games and hit .230 with four doubles and 15 RBIs.

Norris started 11 games on the mound for Muskingum and tied with a team-best 3.29 ERA. He ended the season with a team-high 32 strikeouts pitching in 63 innings, while Bigrigg made 17 appearances and recorded 28 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched.

Looking to make their mark this season is senior pitcher Bryce Husted, senior pitcher Mark Rest, sophomore infielder Chayce Lundell, sophomore infielder Sam Pinckert, and sophomore pitcher Craig Nixon.

Husted made 10 appearances on the mound with 22.2 innings pitched and Lundell hit .293 with 27 hits, five doubles, and 18 RBIs. Pinkert finished his freshman season hitting .282 with 33 total hits, five doubles, and 13 RBIs, while Nixon saw the mound 11 times in 37.2 innings of work with 12 strikeouts earning a 2.87 ERA in his first season.

Coach Thompson will also have the benefit of a strong recruiting class to add depth to an already talented 2020 roster.

Muskingum opens up the season in Fort Pierce, Florida and plays seven different teams during Spring Break with the first game beginning on Sunday, March 1. The Muskies open up home play against Denison on Wednesday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. and begin Ohio Athletic Conference action on Saturday, March 21, against John Carroll. The first pitch of the slated doubleheader is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.