Portland Pilots Baseball: Reloading for Another WCC Run
The Portland Pilots baseball program enters 2025 with unfinished business. For the second straight year, their season ended in heartbreak at the WCC Championship game. The Pilots posted a strong 37-19 overall record. Their 19-5 WCC mark earned them the 2-seed before falling to San Diego in the title game. Now, they face significant roster turnover, including the departures of All-WCC selections Jake Holcroft (.348 AVG, 21 SB, 59 RBI) and MLB draftee Nick Brink (3.61 ERA, 130 K; Dft. by Miami Marlins). With three total players selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Pilots look to maintain their winning momentum while integrating new faces.
Portland Pilots Baseball Returns Strong Core
Several key contributors return do to the Portland Pilots baseball lineup. Power-hitting infielder Zach Toglia (.274 AVG, 10 HR, 36 RBI) leads this group. His 15 doubles and .531 slugging percentage make him one of the conference’s top hitters. Brady Bean (.321 AVG, 6 HR, 38 RBI) emerged as a consistent force at the plate. Spencer Scott (.316 AVG, .447 OBP) showed excellent plate discipline and pop with 14 extra base hits and scored 38 runs. Tyler Howard (.331 AVG, 11 2B) returns as catcher after a strong season at the plate as well as a perfect 1.000 FLD%. Gage Bruce made the most of his 25 games with a .346 average. Jonas Salk (.262 AVG, 31 RBI) provides solid infield defense, on-base, and run production.
The Portland Pilots baseball pitching staff retains WCC Pitcher of the Year Carter Gaston (11-2, 3.01 ERA) as their ace. He established himself as one of the conference’s best pitchers in 2024. The bullpen features three sub-5 ERA returners in Ryan Rembisz (4.18 ERA in 28 IP), Curtis Hebert (4.05 ERA, 2 SV), and Morgan Codron (4.63 ERA, 35 K; WCC All-Freshman Team 2024).
Portland Pilots Baseball Roster Losses
The offense faces several significant departures this season. Ben Patacsil posted impressive numbers (.384 AVG, 7 HR, 49 RBI). Jake Holcroft added to the offensive production with 59 RBI and 25 stolen bases. The pitching staff loses 225.1 innings of production from three key departures. These include Nick Brink, Sam Stuhr (3-2, 4.61 ERA; drafted by the A’s), and closer Tanner Douglas (3.32 ERA, 10 SV; transferred to OSU). Christian Cooney’s exit impacts team speed with his 16 stolen bases. The loss of Tristan Gomes affects catching depth. Joey Gartrell, who had an injury-shortened 2024, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox.
Portland Pilots Baseball Adds Key Transfers
The Pilots baseball program added key transfers to help offset their losses. JT Landwehr (.272 AVG, .443 OBP) arrives from Mount St. Mary’s, a year after setting the NCAA single season record for hit-by-pitches (39). Landwehr also made 11 appearances on the mound. Doyle Kane (.265 AVG, .370 OBP) joins from UC San Diego. Cody Nitowitz transfers from UC Santa Barbara to join the outfield group.
The pitching staff gains junior college talent. Callum Young (3-1, 3.32 ERA) comes from Everett Community College. Peter Herrick (2-1, 4.08 ERA) arrives from Edmonds College. Left-hander Nolan Hardesty from Modesto Junior College adds pitching depth. These additions strengthen the Portland Pilots baseball roster for 2025.
Pilots Welcome Freshman Class
Portland’s freshman class features several highly-ranked in-state and other PNW prospects. Ethan Matsuoka arrives from Tualatin High School, ranked by Perfect Game (PG) as Oregon’s #1 shortstop. Nolan Miller (Sheldon High School), Oregon’s #1 ranked OF and Nolan Umlandt (Sherwood High School) comes from as the state’s #4 ranked RHP. Coleman Hollabaugh (John F. Kennedy HS) enters with a PG grade of 8.5 and a #12 overall ranking in the state of Washington. Others prospects include Connor Cox (Toutle High School; #10 RHP WA), Cade Gehlen (Central Catholic High School; #13 OF WA), and Aaron Louis (Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep; #60 OF CA). – Source: Perfect Game