With the successful 2005 campaign slowly getting smaller in the rear view mirror, second year West Chester University baseball team manager Matt Brainard looks to build on the success of last year. A season ago the Golden Rams lit up the record books with a school record 15 straight wins and a combined 17-3 record in the PSAC East. With a strong core of returning players led by staff ace Frank Gaily, the Golden Rams look to once again dominate the conference. Gaily’s stat line is as impressive as they come. In 15 appearances including nine starts, he compiled a 7-2 record with a miniscule ERA of 1.54. This included six complete games, two of which he held the opposing team scoreless. Frank’s battery mate is returning senior Brett Wallace. Wallace, while turning in a solid year behind the plate, boasted the highest batting average of any returning players at a potent .348. Designated hitter Mark Gilliford led the team last season in both RBI’s and homeruns with 48 and eight, respectively. At the top of the linup, the speedy John Molyneux, who hit .303 last season, also led the Golden Rams with 19 steals. The infield corners are manned by two returning seniors, Joey Yeager and Nate Guers.
Even with some of their statistical leaders returning, WCU is going to need some of the reserves from a year ago, along with some of the incoming freshman, to step into starting roles vacated by an extremely talented graduating class. WCU’s run back to the playoffs begins on February 19th with a two game set at West Virginia Tech. The conference schedule kicks off on March 31when the powerful Bloomsburg Huskies come to town.
The 2006 season has the makings of being another successful year for the Golden Rams baseball team.