BB Ready for New Era
The Penn State Fayette baseball team is entering a new era as Ryan Encapera has moved up from assistant coach to head coach. He replaces Mike Sikorski after serving on Sikorski's staff since 2019.
Encapera was hired in the late summer and he had the team hit the ground running.
"Our fall season and winter workouts were productive and helped us to get stronger and tune up our fundamentals," he said. "We played well in our fall exhibition games and hopefully we can carry the momentum into our Spring season."
The team has been working hard gearing up for the season.
"Preseason practice has been very positive so far," Encapera said. "Our guys have been getting the reps they need each day and we have been working hard to prepare for all the situations we would face during the season. Our team attitude and effort has been upbeat and that is helping us build solid chemistry with each other. Most of our roster has been through a season or more of college baseball and they have an understanding of what it takes to prepare for our season physically and mentally."
The team returns four position players who started games last season. Senior Matt Morgan (Eighty-Four, PA/Ringgold HS) is a four-year starting catcher and was All-PSUAC (Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference) in 2021. Senior Chris Rendulic (Port Vue, PA/South Allegheny HS) is a utility player and will be a key player on the mound. Sophomore Nate Zimcosky (Uniontown, PA/Laurel Highlands HS) had an impactful freshman season and was among the team leaders in every hitting category. Sophomore Kaleb Scott (Uniontown, PA/Laurel Highlands HS) will pitch, play the outfield and could see time at catcher. Junior Cade Warrick (Mill Run, PA/Connellsville HS) will play first and in the outfield.
Encapera spoke briefly about each.
"Matt has been through the ups and downs of the program during his career and is eager for a winning season and playoff appearance," he said. "Chris has been the anchor of the pitching staff for the last two seasons and has proven to be one of our best hitters. He can play in the infield or outfield when not pitching. Whatever his role is for each game he will be an important factor for our success. Nate will be expected to get on base from the top of the lineup and drive in runners when need be. He can hit for average and power and is a threat to steal when on base. Kaleb had a great freshman season shortened by injury. This season he will be relied on to pitch after a successful summer season and dominant fall exhibition appearances. He is also one of the teams toughest out in the lineup and can drive in runs. Cade will be a middle of the lineup presence who hits for power and drives in runs. Last season he was among the team leaders in HR and RBI."
Encapera also mentioned five returning other players who are competing for starting roles.
Junior outfielder Kyle Ridley (Connellsville, PA/Connellsville HS) will move into a starting role after splitting time in 2021. Sophomore Andrew Despot (Moon, PA/Moon Area HS) split time in the infield last year and will be called on to get on base and drive in runs as well as play clean defense up the middle. Sophomore Kade Musgrove (Dunbar, PA/Connellsville HS) is one of the team's most physical players who shows a ton of power at the plate and can drive the ball gap to gap. Junior pitchers Jorge Palmas (Upper St. Clair, PA/Upper St. Clair HS) and Dylan Bohna (Uniontown, PA/Laurel Highlands, PA) will be expected to pitch a number of innings this year as a starter or reliever depending on the circumstances of the schedule. Both had a productive fall and are ready to compete, according to Encapera.
As far as newcomers to the program, Encapera pointed out sophomore infielder Josh Burns (Uniontown, PA/Laurel Highlands HS), a transfer from California University of PA, and freshman pitcher Kole Koontz (Dawson, PA/Connellsville HS).
"Josh brings gap to gap offense and solid defense to improve our lineup," Encapera said. "Kole is a welcome addition to the pitching staff and will be counted on in various roles this season."
According to Encapera, Penn State DuBois and Penn State Mont Alto are the top teams in the division and conference. When asked about expectations and keys for a successful season and to work closer to the DuBois' and Mont Alto's of the conference, Encapera was quick and to the point about building a foundation.
"We want to be competitive in every game, finish at .500 or better and earn a playoff appearance," he said. "If we get consistent pitching, timely hitting and solid defense, have mental toughness and positive team energy to get us through adversity, we will have a successful season. We also have to stay away from injuries."
Fayette is scheduled to open the season on Saturday, February 26 at Bethany College.
For more information on the Penn State Fayette baseball team, go to https://www.psathletics.com/sports/bsb/index.