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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGE, Calif. - The Chapman University baseball team extended their top-five streak to five years; since 2004 it’s been ranked no worse than No. 4 in the preseason. The 2007 West Region champions are again ranked No. 4 in the NCAA Division III preseason poll by Collegiate Baseball. Last season they captured their third West Region title in a row finishing 41-8 and No. 5 in the nation. Juniors Kurt Yacko, Wayde Kitchens and Patrick Ohail will bring their nationally recognized experience back this season. Utilityman Yacko was named Co-Player of the Year after hitting .400 with 45 RBI and was ranked second in Division III with 10 saves and fourth with 103 strikeouts. Kitchens, right handed pitcher, was a third team All-America with a 2.35 ERA and 120 strikeouts. First baseman Ohail’s 1.000 fielding percentage earned him a Rawlings Division III National Gold Glove. The Panthers’ schedule looks tough once again. They play host to defending national champions and current No. 3 Kean University (N.J.) on March 16 and 20. The team’s schedule also includes West Region rivals Pomona-Pitzer and Texas-Dallas. Chapman hosts Whitter in its first game on Feb. 1 at Hart Park. Opening pitch is scheduled at 2:30 p.m.
For complete Collegiate Baseball preseason poll: |
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