It's always a special time when the Chico State baseball team gets a new season underway. This year, however, the excitement level has been kicked up several notches. The Wildcats not only begin the 2023 campaign by facing three talented opponents—including the defending Division II national champions—but they get to play in a major league atmosphere. The 'Cats officially lift the lid on the season Friday as part of the three-day Houston Winter Invitational at Minute Maid Park, the home of the World Series champion Houston Astros.
The Wildcats begin the year Friday at 11:30 a.m. Pacific time when they take on Arkansas Tech, then Saturday at 8 a.m. Pacific Chico State goes up against Flagler College of St. Augustine, Florida. The 'Cats conclude the Houston Winter Invitational Sunday at 8 a.m. Pacific versus North Greenville (South Carolina), the nation's top D-II program in 2022.
Fans can follow the action locally on KPAY Sports 1290-AM, with Mike Baca's broadcast simulcast on the Internet. Live Stats are also available online, with links accessible on the Wildcat Athletics homepage and the baseball schedule page. There is no online streaming offered for any of the Wildcats' three Houston Winter Invitational contests.
This is the second time the Wildcats have traveled to Texas to compete in the Houston Winter Invitational. Chico State first made the trek to Minute Maid Park back in 2017.
Dave Taylor, beginning his 17th year as head coach of the Wildcats, welcomes 17 players back from the Chico State team that finished the 2022 season 34-15 overall and placed second in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Among his returners are All-CCAA and All-West Region infielder Jeffrey Ray, and All-CCAA standouts Jacob Jablonski, Kyle Dobson, and Jarret Lindsay. Also back are pitchers Cody Gentry, Rylan Tinsley, Kevin Lyons, and Josh Verdon, who combined to win 29 games for the 'Cats last season. Closer Eric Hill, Chico State's saves leader in 2022, returns to anchor the Wildcats bullpen.
The Wildcats have been picked to finish third (garnering one first place vote) among the 11 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) teams in the conference's annual preseason coaches' poll.
Here are brief overviews of Chico State's three Houston Winter Invitational opponents:
Arkansas Tech (Friday, 11:30 a.m. Pacific)
The Wonderboys concluded the 2022 season 27-23 and placed eighth in the Great American Conference, finishing the year strong by reaching the semifinals of the GAC conference tournament.
Flagler College (Saturday, 8 a.m. Pacific)
The Saints posted a 25-28 record last season but tied for fifth place in the Peach Belt Conference, earning a berth in the conference tournament.
North Greenville (Sunday, 8 a.m. Pacific)
The Crusaders took it all in 2022, going 54-10, capturing the Conference Carolinas regular season and conference tournament titles, and winning the NCAA Championship Tournament by topping Point Loma for the national D-II crown.
