Photo by: Megan Westervelt

As the weather turns colder, DU’s club baseball team is squeezing in the last few games of the fall season.

Last weekend, the team hosted the second annual Denver Invitational Tournament for various top schools in the West. Even though DU had far fewer players than other teams, the team still managed to place second behind powerhouse University of Colorado at Boulder and evened the record to 5-5. 

“It was without a doubt the best weekend of baseball our club has played up to this point,” commented coach Jared Floyd. “I was nervous going into the tourney in which we would be playing six games in three days, but we played great baseball and it far exceeded my expectations.”

Of the 16 players on the team, 11 are freshmen. This doesn’t seem to bother Floyd.

“As for the guys on our team, they are great. Not only are they great ball players, but good kids,” said Floyd. “We have incredible parental support, and everyone on our team is focused on one goal and that’s winning a national championship.”

Kent McKendry, the club president and team captain, and vice president Ryan Woods have been on top in all offensive categories nationwide for the past two years.

Team co-captain Evan Walters and sophomore Joe Lubar spearhead the pitching staff.

Lubar has pitched three complete games so far, including the second game of a double header against University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Freshman catcher Zach Straus is excelling behind the plate and had eight RBIs in the opening game.

Straus already has impressed his older teammates. With players coming into the spotlight, it looks as thought it will be an exciting new season, Walters predicted.

“This team has to ability to play great teams in the fall and come together this spring to go to the World Series in May,” said Walters. “The fall season looks to end very well. We play the highest competition we can.”

Club baseball will play 60 games this season.  The highlight will be the upcoming game against rival and two-time defending league champion University of Wyoming on Oct. 24 in Laramie, Wyo.

“We hope to continue playing great baseball and appreciate the support from the student body. We hope to continue gaining support and notoriety throughout the school,” Walters said.

“Our games have turned out great support, both home and away, from our fans and have made it a fun atmosphere.”

The team travels to Kansas next weekend to play Colby Community College.

For more information about club baseball, visit www.duclubbaseball.com.