SJU baseball’s MIAC season expectations are high

The Johnnies eight-game win streak came to an end on April 12, losing two games to Hamline.

The Johnnies started their season with three out of state competitions, one series in Leavenworth, Kan., seven games in Florida and six games in Tucson, Ariz. In Florida, one game in particular had an exciting ending.

“We had the lead in the final inning, but the other team had a couple guys on and looking to walk it off. Our catcher Matt Herold and pitcher Evan Soeffker both picked off runners on back-to-back pitches to win the game,” sophomore pitcher Kade Bowar said.

The team also traveled to Tucson, Ariz. for six games right before conference games started in early April. They won four games and lost two. The Johnnies started their conference season with a 4-game win streak. According to sophomore infielder Jackson Peter, this was a huge highlight for the team especially considering these games were on SJU’s home field. Although the Johnnies started the season rougher than they’d hoped, things have taken a turn in the right direction since being back in Collegeville.

“There have been some really positive things that have happened so far this conference season,” senior pitcher Wyatt Rudolf said. “I feel like the team chemistry has gotten a lot stronger since the first few spring trips and now we’re really starting to see it pay off, especially in those first few conference games.”

Many players are excited for the upcoming games against Bethel on Apr. 26 and Gustavus on Apr. 29. The Gustavus games are Senior Day, and Rudolf thinks that the Johnnies have a good chance of winning if they stick to their guns and play their game. The Johnnies lost to Gustavus in the MIAC tournament last year, and they have a talented program again this year.

“Gustavus ended our season last year and I still remember the ball that was hit to me when they walked us off. It would be fun to get them back for that,” junior outfielder Jordan Amundson said.

The MIAC Tournament starts on May 11, and the team is focused on putting themselves in a good position for success going into the tournament. Although there is still work to be done, the Johnnies are confident that they will make an impact in the tournament. According to Amundson, the team is close and has fun playing together, giving them an advantage in such a competitive tournament. The team’s talent this year will also contribute to their success.

“We all share a common goal, which I think is what is going to propel us come playoff time. I know our guys are hungry for more than just a conference title,” Rudolf said.

St. John’s hosts the MIAC tournament this year, and they are looking to be the fifth team in SJU history to win it.

“I feel this team can make a deep run in this year’s MIAC tournament as we have a deep bullpen to help guide us through a possibly long tournament,” senior pitcher Jack Haring said.

The Johnnies have two away games at Macalester on April 22 and two home games against St. Olaf on April 23.