Jan 27, 2021

Blue Dragon Baseball is preseason pick in Jayhawk West

Posted Jan 27, 2021 10:29 AM

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

For the third-consecutive season, the Hutchinson Community College Baseball Team is the preseason pick to win the 2021 Jayhawk Western Division Championship, according to the league annual Coaches' Poll released on Tuesday.

Two years ago, the preseason poll was right on as Hutchinson indeed captured the conference championship. Last season, though, ended midway through the second conference series of the season at Seward County because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Blue Dragons, Barton and Colby are the top three picks, respectively, in the Jayhawk West coaches' poll. Cloud County was fourth, Butler fifth and Garden City sixth. Seward County, Dodge City and Pratt round out the West.

Cowley once again is the preseason pick to win the Jayhawk East in 2021.

The 2020 Blue Dragons were 14-7 overall, but got off to a very rocky start in conference play, starting the Jayhawk West season 1-5. Hutch got off to a great start winning 13 of its first 15 games, including a four-game series sweep of Coffeyville.

Head coach Ryan Schmidt's ninth edition will return nine position players, one starting pitcher and three pitchers out of the bullpen from last season.

Jenner Steele and Tyler Delong are the top returning hitters. Steele hit .367 with five home runs and 20 RBIs Delong hit .340 with three homers and 12 RBIs. Infielder Mason Lowe, infielder Drew Reetz, outfielder Will Reetz and infielder Austin Callahan are key returning position players.

The lone starting pitcher returning is Zach Firmature, who was 2-2 with a 6.62 ERA.

Hutchinson hit .287 with an average of 7.1 runs per game. The Blue Dragon pitching staff had a team ERA of 5.66.

The Blue Dragons open the 2021 season next Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma-Enid. Hutchinson's first home game will be Saturday, February 13 against Redlands at Hobart-Detter Field.

2021 Jayhawk West Preseason Coaches' Poll
JAYHAWK WEST
1. Hutchinson
2. Barton
3. Colby
4. Cloud County
5. Butler
6. Garden City
7. Seward County
8. Dodge City
9. Pratt

JAYHAWK EAST
1. Cowley
2. Johnson County
3. Kansas City
4. Fort Scott
5. Neosho County
6. Coffeyville
7. Allen
8. Labette
9. Highland