SALEM, W.Va. – Coming off the best NCAA win percentage in Salem University program history, the Tigers' baseball team is looking to make even greater strides in 2019.
 
The Salem University baseball team is looking to make the "next step" this upcoming season.
 
Since Salem University Head Baseball Coach Addison Rouse took over the program, the Tigers have gone form seven wins in 2017 to 19 in 2018 and look to increase the win total from last season this year.
 
"I do not think we have a set number for this season, but if we want to be able to reach the postseason, we will have to get to 35 (wins). It's definitely a number we talk about on a consistent basis but if we do not make that number, we are looking for the next step to getting there," stated Rouse.
 
Salem enters this season with 22 returners and 13 newcomers to the program.
 
"We have a number of guys who are returning and will play big roles and who are slated to have big seasons," added Rouse.
 
The Tigers return junior Carson Ellis into the pitching rotation as the ace after missing half of last season to injury. In Ellis's first four games, he went 2-1, gave up 16 earned runs, 21 hits and totaled 15 strikeouts.
 
Sophomore Brendon Case also returns for the Tigers after battling with injury last season, Case will fit into the backend of the bullpen rotation for the Tigers as shutdown relief and closer. 

In the lineup, Tyler Ault, a three-year starter, will look to lead from shortstop, sophomore Tyler D'Alessandro is in place for center field, while senior Jimmy Crammer is positioned in right field. Senior Thirus Jones also looks to aid the Tigers to another successful season.
 
Last year, Ault hit .263 with 26 hits, 25 RBI and 22 runs in 99 at-bats, while D'Alessandro posted an average of .316 with 30 hits, 11 RBI and 26 runs scored, as Cramer notched an average of .336 with 39 hits, 25 RBI and 31 runs scored in 116 at-bats.
 
Jones posts the best batting average for any returner as he hit .357 with 25 hits in 70 at-bats.
 
The Tigers have a few newcomers who look to make a big impact right away. Junior Walker Dodero looks to enter the Tigers' lineup at first base, as coach Rouse thinks he can have a big role with the team. Dodero transferred in from Butte Community College in California, where two teammates came from as well, the Tigers' ace Ellis and Salem's number two junior James Wiseman.
 
Another transfer that will aid the Tigers right away, is junior right-handed pitcher Sam Chapman.
 
Freshman Kobie Carpenter, a local athlete who went to Lincoln High School and had a tremendous high school career in football, basketball and baseball, looks to hit the ground running as Rouse expects him to catch a lot for the Tigers this season.

With unfortunate circumstances and Frank Loria Memorial Field flooded, the Tigers did not have a true home contest last season, but the Frank is up and running as the Tigers are scheduled for over 30 home games this season.
 
"I think the word excitement is an understatement, I am a pretty passionate guy and I am very eager and fired up to play on our turf field this season, we have actually already have had practice on our field this year," stated Rouse.
 
Although not in a conference, the Tigers will get a taste of the postseason action as they are set to compete in a tournament on May 3rd-5th at Big League Camp in Marion, N.C. Teams competing will be Claflin, Winston-Salem, Bluefield State, Virginia State and Salem.
 
Salem opens its 2019 season tomorrow against Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Ga. at 12:00 p.m.
 
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