Pitching and defense will be a huge part of the Bethune Cookman ballclub for the 2023 season. Experience will also play a vital role for the 2023 B-CU baseball team.
“We are excited to go out and compete this 2023 season. After a fall season that was unusual due to both hurricanes that impacted our area, our student athletes did a great job responding to the adversity that we faced throughout the fall season”, Coach Hernandez said.
On the pitching side, the Wildcats feature Friday night starter Louis Lipthratt and Saturday starter Nolan Santos, who last season broke the single season strikeout record with 113 strikeouts. The competition will heat up once B-CU returns for spring practice to determine who will get the start on Sundays.
The bullpen will be a strong one for the Wildcats. Bethune Cookman will be led by RHP Joan Gonzalez, who in 15 appearances last season recorded 73 strikeouts and only walked 24 batters in 60 innings pitched. Hernandez and his staff will also count on several other pitchers to compete for quality innings throughout the 2023 season.
“We believe our pitching staff will be a strength for us. We have depth on the pitching side that will be able to compliment what we are capable of doing on the offensive side with our ballclub for this upcoming season.”
The Wildcats returned six position players who started for B-CU last season and were able to bring in a few JUCO transfers and two transfers who were a part of Power 5 programs last season. Hylan Hall, previously at Washington State, has had a really good Fall and will be able to hit in the middle of the order for B-CU and will also be able to pitch in relief as his fastball has been up to 94/95 mph this fall season.
“Overall, we believe this ballclub this year has a chance to be special, but like everything we have to continuously put in the work. Nothing is ever guaranteed, and we understand that, but we have an experienced group filled with high character guys and we just can’t wait to get things rolling once Spring practices begin”, Hernandez said.
The Wildcats will open up on Friday February 17,2023 as they host Lehigh University at 7PM on Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, FL.