Westfield, Mass.— 2019 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference regular season and tournament champions Westfield State has been picked by the coaches from around the league to win their fourth MASCAC baseball title in the past five seasons. 

Westfield State earned six first place votes for 47 points in this year’s poll. They finished the COVID adjusted 2021 season 6-4 in league action. Returning for the Owls is All-Conference utility player Casey Boudreau who registered a .416 batting average, .526 on-base percentage, .558 slugging percentage, 32 hits and 20 runs which were top five in the MASCAC.

Last year’s tournament champions Salem State are second with 38 points and the final two first place votes. The Vikings were 5-3 in conference play last season. On the mound, Jack Sefrino finished 2021 with four wins and a 1.88 ERA in seven appearances, including three complete games and a shutout to earn a spot on the All-Conference team.

2021 MASCAC Regular Season Champs Fitchburg State land in third with 37 points. The Falcons had the best conference record last season at 7-3. Under 2021 Champion’s Choice Coach of the Year Shawn Manfredo, Jackson Vail batted .266 with 21 hits, 10 RBI, 13 runs scored and three walks to help the Falcons to the regular season crown.

Framingham State and Worcester State share the fourth spot with a 28 point tie. The Rams were 3-7 while the Lancers 3-5 last season. 2021 Rookie of the Year Scott Nosky is back on the mound for Framingham State after striking out 36 with a 3.71 ERA, three wins, two complete games and a shutout. For Worcester State, Sean Devin returns after hitting .281 with two doubles, two triples, two home runs with nine runs scored, 16 RBI and a .469 slugging percentage.

Also tying for a place in the poll are Bridgewater State and Massachusetts Maritime in sixth with 19 points. The Bears were 4-6 last season during MASCAC play while the Buccaneers competed in eight non-conference games. For Bridgewater State, All-Conference pitcher David Kerns returns after appearing eight games for the Bears with a win, 42 strikeouts and a 2.62 ERA. For the Buccaneers, Zach Sylvia is back after hitting .231  with a.385 slugging percentage, four doubles, three walks and two runs scored.

Closing out the 2022 preseason poll is MCLA in eighth with eight points. Last season outfielder Austin Rachiele batted .286 with two runs scored, two walks, two stolen bases with a .444 on-base percentage. 

MCLA is the first MASCAC team to get their 2022 season underway on Sunday, February 20 with a game against Yeshiva while the rest of the conference starts their season over the next few weeks.