Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford baseball team is prepared to open their 2025 season in the coming days, looking to improve on their 12-24 record from last season.
The Panthers improved their win total from the previous season in 2024, picking up 5 more victories. They went 5-11 in Conference play, finishing 9th, but were only 2 games out of playoff contention. Offensively, the Panthers were led by catcher Evan Fragela, who hit .338 with 25 runs scored, 4 home runs and 26 RBI. He was a 2nd Team All-AMCC Selection. Maxwell Rogers and Noah Avey also earned all-conference honors, with Rogers making the 3rd team as an outfielder, and Avey in the utility spot. The Panthers' strength was their pitching staff, which combined for a 5.55 earned run average, allowing the 3rd fewest runs in the league.
Looking forward, the Panthers will once again rely on their pitching staff, as they return 228 of 270 innings pitched from last season. The staff will be led by 2024 1st Team All-AMCC pitcher Shawn Mannering, who was 6-4 last season with a 3.58 ERA and was 3rd in the league in k/9 with 10.95. 2nd Team All-AMCC reliever Branson Scarantine also returns. The senior southpaw allowed just 1 earned run in 8 appearances and 12 innings pitched.
The Panthers will look to use a balanced approach at the plate, focusing on putting pressure on the defense with contact hitting, gap-to-gap power, and speed on the basepaths. Rogers, Avey, Blake Prestash, and Alex Ognen will look to repeat their performances from last year, while the offense will also be aided by the return of Trent Bielak and Alex Colwell from long-term injuries.
"This is one of the deepest teams we have had in years. We feel we have game-ready depth at every position and in the pitching staff," said Head Coach Zach Foster. "The guys have bought into the team-first mindset we are forming in the program, and they are willing to lay it on the line for the teammate next to them while pushing them to continually improve."
The Panthers opening game against Fredonia, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23rd has been postponed. They will officially open their season on Monday, Feb. 24th with a doubleheader against Bethany. Pitt-Bradford will then travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for Spring Break, where they will play 9 games at The Ripken Experience. Their first home date is scheduled for Wednesday, Mar. 26th with a doubleheader against Alfred. The Panthers will begin AMCC play on March 29th at La Roche.
Foster added, "We are really excited for the season and the opportunity God has blessed us with to put on a Pitt-Bradford baseball uniform and compete!"
Pitt-Bradford was predicted to finish in 8th place in the annual AMCC Pre-Season Coaches' Poll. The full release from the AMCC can be found on their website, here.
