NNU Baseball 2025 Roster Preview
The Northwest Nazarene University Roster Preview begins with a program riding high on recent success. The Nighthawks had an excellent 2024 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, posting a 36-15-1 overall record and a 23-9 mark in conference play. Under head coach Joe Schaefer’s leadership, the team captured both the regular season and tournament championships before advancing to the NCAA West Regional. Schaefer earned West Region Coach of the year honors from the NCBWA. As the program looks to build upon this success, this comprehensive roster preview examines how the Nighthawks have reshaped their roster through returning talent, impact transfers, and promising recruits for the 2025 campaign.
Position Players Analysis
Sophomore utility player Carter Walsh headlines the Nighthawks’ returners, posting impressive numbers in 2024 (.321/.438/.473, 47 runs, 38 RBI, 27 SB) and earning GNAC Freshman of the Year. His plate discipline stands out with 38 walks to just 19 strikeouts. The infield returns solid depth as Cole Calnon (.275, 42 runs, 27 RBI, 17 SB), Kaleb Karpstein (9 doubles, 26 RBI), and Gavin Brubaker (.317, 29 runs, 28 RBI, 11 SB).
In the outfield, veteran Casey Wayne provides stability (.268/.380/.366, 16 RBI) while two-way player Bryan Rojas offers versatility (.337, 15 RBI in 83 AB). Behind the plate, Drew Deal (.290) and Jason Bell (.464 OBP) form a reliable duo, whereas Liam Herrera showed promise in limited action (.432 in 37 AB). All three catchers finished 2024 with a perfect fielding percentage.
Returning Arms
The staff features strong depth as Kailer Saunders won six games (4.50 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 62 IP, 37 K). Additionally, Blake Hammond showed versatility (16 APP, 5 GS, 4.20 ERA, 45 IP, 34 K, 3 saves), Jonathan Zayas logged valuable innings as a starter (5.80 ERA, 49.2 IP, 40K), and Bryan Rojas also impressed (2.93 ERA, 30.2 IP, 22 K, 4-0) in 6 starts.
The Nighthawks biggest strength on paper is their bullpen. RS-Senior reliever Joseph Ihli returns after missing 2024, looking to replicate his strong 2023 campaign (3.75 ERA, 85.1 IP, 79 K, 8 saves). Subsequently, Wade Duncan dominated in relief (2.41 ERA, 37.1 IP, 31 K, 9 saves) while Josh Bishopp (2.93 ERA, 30.2 IP) returns as well to round out this strong trio.
Transfers Hitters
The NNU Baseball 2025 roster gains immediate offensive help through transfers. OF Nin Burns II arrives from Texas Southern with impressive credentials (.369/.497/.574, 6 HR). Another D1 transfer, INF Cris Enriquez (Tarleton State) adds more power (.332, 7 HR, 58 RBI). Additional transfers strengthen the lineup depth, including OF Adrian Arechiga (.298, 7 2B at Riverside CC), UT Andrew Major (.283, 4 HR at Colby CC), INF Carson Burns (.255, Everett CC), and C/IF Brooks Robinson (.362 OBP, 4 XBH with Mt Hood CC). RS-Fr. catcher Holt Williams also transfers in from UC Irvine (RS last season).
Transfer Pitchers
The pitching staff adds several impact arms through transfers. Therefore, Tyson Rutherford brings experience from Yakima Valley (3.79 ERA, 73.2 IP, 70 K). Meanwhile, Landen Parker dominated out of the pen at Umpqua CC (1.19 ERA, 30.1 IP, 33 K). Furthermore, Tyler Stolfich (3.76 ERA, 40.2 IP, 55 K) and Ernesto Lugo-Canchola (3.32 ERA, 21.2 IP, 21 K) round out a strong transfer class.
Key Losses
The lineup must replace significant power from 2024. As a result, Trevor Tishenkel’s departure (.337, 11 HR, 46 RBI) leaves a considerable void. Adam Paganelli (.297, 7 HR) and Duke Pahukoa (.297, 9 HR) also leave big shoes to fill, while Manny Casillas (.250, 3 HR) rounds out the key offensive losses. On the mound, Kyle Ethridge (13 GS, 4.03 ERA, 82.2 IP) and Josh Brown (19 APP, 3.56 ERA, 43 IP) leave the biggest voids to fill.
Promising Freshmen
Several freshmen join the NNU Baseball 2025 roster. Makani Geisen (Perfect Game 9 grade), Jake Mestas (PG 7.5 grade) and Jeremiah Jacobo (PG 7 grade) all bring big potential. Additionally, Grayden Lucas arrives as Perfect Game’s #2-ranked left-handed pitcher in the state of Idaho.
Nighthawks Outlook
The Northwest Nazarene baseball program enters 2025 with both opportunities and challenges ahead. Their impressive 2024 campaign included 36 wins and a GNAC championship. The Nighthawks have assembled a roster that could surpass last year’s achievements. They’ll need to replace significant offensive production, including Trevor Tishenkel (11 HR), Duke Pahukoa (9 HR), and Adam Paganelli (7 HR). However, new transfers bring proven talent to fill these gaps. Nin Burns II hit .369 with 6 HR at Texas Southern. Cris Enriquez added a .332 average with 7 HR at Tarleton State. Sophomore utility player Carter Walsh looks ready for another big season. The pitching staff remains a strength for the Nighthawks. RS-Senior Joseph Ihli returns from injury while Wade Duncan brings reliability as last seasons’ closer, giving NNU multiple strong options. New arms Tyson Rutherford and Landen Parker add additional depth to an already strong staff. The team also welcomes promising young talent, including Perfect Game 9-grade freshman Makani Geisen. With this mix of experience and new talent, Northwest Nazarene appears ready to defend their GNAC title. Be sure to check out our NNU schedule preview.
