DUBOIS, Pennsylvania - With just a few hours until the USCAA Small College World Series officially kicks off competition with its' annual home run derby, the organization met this morning to honor the best performances throughout the organization this spring. Salem was featured heavily in the award winners with 4 baseball student-athletes honored, and the Salem coaching staff earning accolades as well.
First, as one could expect, Salem was led by pitcher Sam Schmitt. Schmitt has been a force for Salem as the ace of the pitching staff, and has amassed an impressive 2.13 ERA, and tallied 81 strikeouts. For his efforts on the field, Schmitt was named the USCAA Player of the Year, and was named a 1st Team USCAA All-American.
Second, not to be outdone by his teammate in the bullpen, Conor Thiele was the second Tiger to earn a spot on the USCAA All-American 1st Team. Thiele has been a strong addition to the starting rotation after beginning the season in a relief role. He has a strong 7-1 record overall and a 2.70 ERA.
Third, Jose Lojo also earned a USCAA 1st Team All-American nod for his efforts for Salem this season. He has been the most consistent Tiger from the plate with a .384 batting average and 61 total hits from his usual leadoff spot in the Salem lineup. He has also not recorded a single error in the field for Salem as he has been the anchor of the outfield in center field.
The final Tiger earning All-American honors is Aidan McMurdo. McMurdo has been a true utility player for Salem in the field this season as he has spent time at first, second, and third base this season. From the plate, he is hitting for a .357 average, and has recorded 40 hits. McMurdo earned Honorable Mention All-American honors for his work on the field for Salem this season.
Lastly, the Salem baseball coaching staff earned Coaching Staff of the Year honors for the Tigers at the event. Led by second year head coach Kassidy Gaines, the Tigers have been consistently strong this season on their way to a 22-25 record and the #5 overall seed in the USCAA Small College World Series. The Salem coaching staff is made up of Head Coach Kassidy Gaines, Assistant Coach Nolan Freeman, and graduate assistants Jon Biale, Caiden Wood, and former USCAA All-American student-athlete Tyler Shinn.
These accolades only add to the excitement of Salem's postseason portion of the season. Salem will compete in tonight's home run derby at 8:30 PM before opening up the actual competition tomorrow when they are set to take on Mid-Atlantic Christian at 10 AM in Dubois, Pennsylvania.
