Long Beach State University Athletics
Photo by: John Fajardo
2024 Dirtbags Preview Part 2
2/14/2024 9:26:00 AM | Baseball
Looking At The Infield
LONG BEACH, Calif. ---The 2024 Long Beach State baseball season gets underway this week as the Dirtbags host the University of Washington in a three-game series beginning Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday's action gets underway at six before the weekend concludes Sunday at 1 p.m.
We continue looking at the Dirtbags by focusing on the infielders.
Junior Jack Hammond should begin the year as the starter at first base. Hammond hit eight home runs (the third-most on the team) last season, scoring 29 runs and driving in 29. Freshman Jonny Rodriguez is developing so quickly that he can also spell and provide matchups for us.
"We have many other options here when you add Cole Santander, who will DH mostly, and two-way guys Cristian Banda, Collin Miskelly, and Connor Charpiot. We are strong at first base," said interim head coach Bryan Peters.
The middle should feature senior Nick Marinconz moving to second and freshman Adrian Lopez at short. Marinconz made 50 starts at shortstop in 2023 for the Dirtbags. He recorded 53 hits, 23 runs scored, and 29 RBI. Lopez hit .566 as a senior for Ganesha High School on the way to being selected CIF Division 7 Player of the Year. Grad transfer Nolan Funke (NM State) could see time behind Marinconz at second.
"This is a talented middle," Peters said. "The middle has a mix of talented youth and experienced players."
Sophomore Ty Borgogno started 18 times last season, the most among the Long Beach State freshmen. He hit .257 with a .383 on-base percentage in 36 games played. Fellow sophomore Armando Briseno could see time at the hot corner as well.
"Both of these guys need to play," Peters said. "They bring so much to the team in completely different ways. The fact that both can play second and short helps as well."
~#skoBags~
We continue looking at the Dirtbags by focusing on the infielders.
Junior Jack Hammond should begin the year as the starter at first base. Hammond hit eight home runs (the third-most on the team) last season, scoring 29 runs and driving in 29. Freshman Jonny Rodriguez is developing so quickly that he can also spell and provide matchups for us.
"We have many other options here when you add Cole Santander, who will DH mostly, and two-way guys Cristian Banda, Collin Miskelly, and Connor Charpiot. We are strong at first base," said interim head coach Bryan Peters.
The middle should feature senior Nick Marinconz moving to second and freshman Adrian Lopez at short. Marinconz made 50 starts at shortstop in 2023 for the Dirtbags. He recorded 53 hits, 23 runs scored, and 29 RBI. Lopez hit .566 as a senior for Ganesha High School on the way to being selected CIF Division 7 Player of the Year. Grad transfer Nolan Funke (NM State) could see time behind Marinconz at second.
"This is a talented middle," Peters said. "The middle has a mix of talented youth and experienced players."
Sophomore Ty Borgogno started 18 times last season, the most among the Long Beach State freshmen. He hit .257 with a .383 on-base percentage in 36 games played. Fellow sophomore Armando Briseno could see time at the hot corner as well.
"Both of these guys need to play," Peters said. "They bring so much to the team in completely different ways. The fact that both can play second and short helps as well."
~#skoBags~
Players Mentioned
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