Jacob Gumaer
Contributing Writer
ESU Warrior baseball is experiencing one of its greatest seasons in program history thanks to stellar play and a sense of unity unlike years past.
The Warriors took on Mansfield for a four-game series over the weekend, winning all four games to earn their fifth straight series sweep. After a weekend in which the Warriors outscored their opponent 33-10, the squad now sits at a record of 24-3 and continues to add to a program-record 21-game win streak.
To this point, the Warriors have proven that they are a tough team to beat no matter the location of the game, posting a perfect 13-0 record at home and a cool 10-2 record on the road.
The keys to the Warriors success are no secret, as the team’s combined batting average of .321 ranks 31st out of nearly 250 Division II baseball schools, and on the defensive side of the ball, the Warriors find even more success.
The team earned run average (ERA) sits at a respectable 4.01, a number good enough for 18th in the DII ranks.
For the players, their stretch of excellence is no surprise.
“I knew for a while this team was capable of winning this many games in a row,” says ESU first baseman Parker Frey. “We were all able to get hot together and now are riding our overall confidence as a team.”
Frey, who was named a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference athlete of the week for March 19-25 after posting a slash line of .556/.588/1.000, helping the team to a 4-0 record during that week.
Frey has started 24 of the team’s 27 games this season, putting up incredible numbers along the way. His .413 batting average and 21 RBIs rank sixth and fourteenth in the PSAC, respectively. The determination and leadership displayed by the redshirt sophomore has been an integral part of the Warriors success in 2024.
“It felt great and well-earned to be named athlete of the week,” said Frey. “I always have the most fun playing baseball when I’m able to contribute and help us win games. It’s nice to know that my hard work is paying off.”
However, Frey is nowhere near fulfilled by the team’s success and has his mind set on keeping up the pace down the stretch.
“I think there’s always areas to improve. There’s always little details and plays in games that can change the outcome. As long as our team keeps learning and sharpening our tools, we will make a good run. The goal is to make it 503 miles away to Cary, N.C. for the DII World Series.”
Frey and the Warriors look to extend their win streak to 25 games when they face off against Shippensburg in a four-game series this weekend.
