LAKE WALES, Fla. – Tonight marks the start of 2020 regular season baseball for the Warner Royals.
The Royals will head across the lake to take on rival Webber International in game-one of a three game series. Games two and three will be played on Warner's Campus at Royals field on Saturday, beginning at 12 p.m.
Named No. 16 in the NAIA Coaches top-25 poll, Webber International returns to the field after its post season run in the NAIA National Tournament. The Royals and Warriors kick off their seasons in a rivalry matchup almost every season. No. 16 Webber joins an extremely powerful Sun Conference when it comes to baseball. The Sun Conference names No. 2 St. Thomas, No. 4 Southeastern, No. 16 Webber International, and (RV) Keiser. In the TSC preseason poll, Warner was picked to finish in 4
th place right behind Southeastern, St. Thomas and Webber.
For the NAIA Coaches Top-25 Preseason Poll Official Press Release click here.
For the TSC Preason Poll Official Release click here.
Warner finished the 2019 season as No. 2 in the NCCAA after falling to the Concordia Cardinals in the national championship game.
Last season also marked a new record for Head Coach
Jeff Sikes and the Royals, who tallied a total 41 wins.*
There is a lot of curiosity about what the starting lineup will be for the Royals this year because of the notable losses the Royals have suffered from last season to this season on both sides of the ball; which include:
Xanders Vazquez – Started 57 games, hit .415, led the team in doubles 15, and had a 19 game hit streak last season.
Alex Vazquez – Started 55 game, hit .322, led the team in HRs with 14, and in RBIs with 75.
Michael Batten – Started 13 games, had a 5-5 record with a 4.35 ERA and led the team in strikeouts with 97, Friday Night Starter.
Andres Fernandez – Started 17 games, had a 10-6 record with a 3.72 ERA, 3 complete games and 2 shutouts.
Jaryd Clary – Started 12 games, went 7-1 with a 5.53 ERA
Ronny Penalo – Started 54 games, hit .321 with 43 runs scored and 23 steals.
Rafael Astacio – Started 58 games, hit .290 with 32 runs scored and 34 RBIs.
Returning Seniors
Rio Russell – Started 55 games last season, hit .272 with 43 runs scored and 30 RBIs. Also, led the team in the triples with 6.
Scott Fickas – Started 54 games last season, hit .337 with 48 runs scored and 43 RBI.
Trey Matthews – Started 35 games last season, was sidelined with an injury for several weeks, but hit .279 with 3 HRs and 26 RBIs.
Joey Theune – Appeared in 18 games last season for the Royals, had a 5-2 record, 3 saves, and 66 strikeouts with a 2-1 strikeout to walk ratio.
Ryan Klingler – Appeared in 15 games last season, went 1-1 and earned 4 saves.
Notable Returners
Erich Jaquez – Started 52 games last season and hit .250 with 6 HR, as a freshman
Josh Strickland – Started in 41 games as a freshman, hit .240 with 3 doubles and had 19 RBIs.
Jarrett Joyner – Started 9 games and appeared in 12 last season, earned a 3-4 record and a 3.68 ERA.
***DakStats Era (2004-present)
