FHSU Athletics
Fort Hays State baseball has been picked 11th in the MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll, released on Friday (Jan. 30). Fort Hays State looks to put its first losing season in six years behind it and return to its winning ways in 2015 after finishing 12th in the conference standings last year and missing the conference tournament.
The Tigers tied for 11th in the preseason poll with Pittsburg State, each receiving 44 voting points. The Tigers enter their fifth year under head coach Steve Johnson, who has guided the program to 97 wins over four years.
The entire starting pitching rotation (Steven Federau, Tyler Patty, Joe Mapes and Austin Unrein) returns in 2015, but looking to make an impact immediately will be junior college transfers Justin Hersch (Barton Community College) and Brad Spires (Garden City Community College). Hersch is a left-hander that started all 13 games he appeared on the mound last year, leading the Cougars in complete games with three. He posted a record of 5-2 with a 3.43 ERA, 55 strikeouts, and a .235 opponent batting average in 65.2 innings of work. Spires played two seasons for the Broncbusters. Two years ago he appeared in 18 games on the mound, making 13 starts, while posting a record of 8-3 with a 5.13 ERA. He struck out a team-high 68 batters in 80.2 innings pitched in 2013. Unrein may move into a late relief role on the team with the addition of arms to the rotation.
The Tigers have brought in a few transfers and a pair of true freshmen to strengthen their bullpen. FHSU looks to improve on a 7.76 team ERA from last year.
Six individuals that saw regular time in the starting lineup return for the Tigers, which includes All-Central Region Cooper Langley. As the team’s designated hitter the majority of the time last year, he hit .335 with 19 doubles, five home runs, and 30 RBI. Kevin Czarnecki joins Langley as returning All-MIAA selections. Czarnecki started in three different positions last year, but played third base the majority of the time. He hit .350 with eight home runs, eight doubles, and 43 RBI. Gus Strunk, Nick Hammeke and Gabe Cook should sure up the rest of the infield as Langley will likely start at first base this year.
Alex Kign and Casey Sedbrook have starting experience for the Tigers in the outfield. King had a great start to the 2014 season before suffering a season-ending injury. When not pitching, Unrein adds pop to the lineup with his bat. A few transfers will also look to push their way into the lineup.
Fort Hays State opens its season on Friday, February 13 at home, hosting Colorado Mines. The following day the Tigers take on Regis before playing Colorado Mines again on Sunday. Central Oklahoma will also be in town for the weekend, playing two against Regis and one against Colorado Mines, so there will be two games at Larks Park each of the three days on opening weekend.
Below is the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll for 2015….
2015 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Emporia State (10) 164
2. Central Missouri (2) 155
3. Central Oklahoma (2) 143
4. Missouri Western 132
5. Nebraska-Kearney 121
6. Missouri Southern 97
7. Southwest Baptist 88
8. Northeastern State 87
9. Washburn 75
10. Lindenwood 70
T11. Fort Hays State 44
T11. Pittsburg State 44
13. Northwest Missouri 41
14. Lincoln 13