Next up for the CCBC season preview is the VIU Mariners. They look to improve from last season as they finished sixth in the standings. 

    “I feel like we have a good chance to makeup for some lost opportunities,” says head coach Nathan Wedgewood. 

The Mariners have a group of returning players that look to comeback strong for their team this season. The returning faces include players like UTL/P Alex McLauchlan (Nanaimo, BC), pitcher Connor Dawson (Nanaimo, BC), infielder Trevor Nicoll (Errington, BC), first baseman Ryder Duncan (Winnipeg, MB), and pitcher Andrew Klassen (Saskatoon, SK). 

    Some new faces have also joined VIU. Pitcher Ethan Mark (Leduc, AB), two-way P/OF Zach Dobie (Campbell River, BC), and transferring from Minnesota West Community College is pitcher Jordan Bauer (Torrington, BC). 

    Jordan has potential to be a big name throughout the league this year. “Jordan is a top of the rotation right handed pitcher for us. He earned multiple pitcher of the week awards for Minnesota West CC in the MCAC conference,” said Wedgewood. “He can execute multiple pitches and competes very well. I couldn’t be more excited to have him as a part of our rotation and look forward to him winning some big games for us.”

    A very key returner for VIU is Alex McLauchlan, who just came off a First Team All-Conference Utility award last year. Alex had a slash line of .286/.436/.874 while picking up two saves for VIU last season. “Alex is in his 3rd year and looks to have his best season yet,” said Wedgewood. “Alex is a tremendous athlete that can help our team in so many different ways. He’s a true five tool player that plays an exciting brand of baseball.” 

    An important freshman for VIU this season will be Zach Dobie. “Zach is a physical freshman that brings power on both sides of the ball,” says Wedgewood. “With a fastball up to 85 and two solid offspeeds, he looks to play a key role in our pitching staff.  Zach has a great work ethic and came into this fall ready to compete at the college level.”

    Wedgewood seems to have some excitement about how this team will compete in the CCBC this year. “With quite a few returners from last year, a few guys are on the edge of a breakout season and our team is the most balanced it’s been in a while,” said Wedgewood.