By Steve Beard, LebCoSports Senior Baseball Contributor
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing.”
– Javier Báez
This past week and the coming week are full of teams headed “down south” to warmer locales for spring break baseball action. For our Featured Player and Featured Pitcher this week, we decided to keep it in the family as we take a look at “The Brothers Coburn,” both of whom play for the Lancaster Bible College Chargers.
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The Rankings
March 11, 2024
Teams we track: # 13 Alabama (no change), Mount Saint Mary’s
March 7, 2024
Posts Wednesday after our publication
Teams we track: Bloomsburg, Clarion, Lock Haven,#6 Millersville (up from 7th), Shippensburg
March 5, 2024
Posts Tuesday after our publication
Teams we Track: Albright, Delaware Valley, Lancaster Bible, Lebanon Valley, Messiah, Mount Aloysius, Penn State-Altoona, Penn State-Harrisburg, Stevens, Stevenson, Virginia Wesleyan, York
(Lynchburg dropped from 5 to 12, thanks in part to York College taking two of three from them. None of our teams received votes, but Shenandoah shot up from 4 to 1. Ranked PA teams are #13 Misericordia and #21 Arcadia).
March 11, 2024
CCBC Essex, Chesapeake
March 11, 2024
#6 Northampton (Up from #12 Pre-Season)
(Preseason is latest poll)
Central Penn
Note: This column will always use the current week poll and only the poll listed above. For that reason, you might see an apparent conflict in our reporting versus what the college websites will say (and they will always use the poll that ranks their team the highest).
FEATURED PLAYER HIGHLIGHT
Brian Coburn, Lancaster Bible College, (Palmyra ’20) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Senior SS/RHP Brian Coburn played a key role in the Chargers opening game win at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC on Monday, including an RBI single in third on his way to a 2 for 3 effort, with two walks and three runs scored. LBC put down Geneva, 12-3. In the second game, won by Geneva, Coburn was 0 for 1 in a pinch hitting appearance (Game Stories and Box Scores). On Tuesday (despite a box score with his brother’s name in it), Brian Coburn pitched five innings allowing five runs, but did enough pick up his first win of the season in an 11-9 triumph over St. Elizabeth. In an 8-0 win over St. Elizabeth in game two for the day, Coburn was hitless with two walks (Game Stories and Box Scores). At that point, LBC had picked up win number three of the week as they swept Saint Elizabeth at a venue at which they had never won on spring break. Playing SS in the trip finale, Coburn’s RBI single in the fourth and run scored in the eighth, along with two walks on a 2 for 3 day, helped lead Lancaster Bible College to their fourth win of the week against Rivier (Game Story and Box Score). Coburn’s solid week down south helped propel LBC to a 4-1 record. They look to build on their success as they finish up non-conference play on Tuesday before a series with Penn College of Technology.
FEATURED PITCHER HIGHLIGHT
Bronson Coburn, Lancaster Bible College, (Palmyra ’23) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Freshman RHP Bronson Coburn, slated as a PO for LBC, was pressed into action as a two-way on Monday as the Chargers did not use a DH for their first game against Geneva in order to allow their two way starter to hit. With a walk and a fly ball that wasn’t quite deep enough to plate a run, the younger of the two Coburn brothers did hit job on the mound, tossing 3.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing one hit and a walk, striking out one as well. And while the official scoring doesn’t show it, Coburn should be entitled to a save in that he pitched three effective innings to end the game, regardless of score. As they say, “you could look it up.” (NCAA Rule 10-26) Coburn did not see action in game two (Game Stories and Box Scores). Bronson Coburn returned to the mound for the series finale, pitching out of the bullpen in scoreless relief to pick up the win over Rivier. His four inning, one hit, five strikeout performance elicited high praise from Associate Head Coach/Pitching Coach Neil Weber who told LebCo Sports that Coburn was successful because he “hit his spots” and that he is quickly making the adjustment from high school to college and learning how to pitch at this level (Game Story and Box Score). Bronson Coburn figures to be a weapon on the bump as Lancaster Bible College looks to make noise in the United East.
ON THE MOUND
Austin Beard, Northampton Community College (Cedar Crest ’22) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Closing out the Myrtle Beach week with a start in game 10, sophomore RHP Austin Beard drew the Minnesota North College- Itasca Vikings on a sunny and warm Thursday. Pushed from Ripken Experience to an ancillary site to ensure that the game could be played, the Spartans looked to finish the week on a high note. Despite limited offense for NCC, Beard threw six-plus innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three walks, striking out ten (Game Story and Box Score). Last week, Beard closed game one of the trip for rotation-mate Ethan Woods (Lower Dauphin HS, 2022) and earned the save. Woods returned the favor, pitching the seventh to seal the win for NCC. Beard moved two 2-1 on the year with one save. By virtue of a 9-1 road trip, Northampton (11-1) moved from #12 to #6 in the nation for NJCAA D3. They open this weekend with Camden in Region XIX action.
Cameron Dubbs, Penn State Altoona, (Palmyra ’20) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Senior RHP Cameron Dubbs tossed a scoreless inning for the Lions as they fell to Calvin (Box Score). Looking to split a doubleheader following a game one loss to Chatham, Dubbs entered in the sixth and held Chatham at bay, allowing one hit and a run, picking up his first save of the year (Game Story and Box Score).
Caleb Fisher, Chesapeake College (Palmyra ’22) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Chesapeake faced off with Region 20 foe Cecil CC and Fisher was up to the task. Despite an uncharacteristic seven walks, Fisher ran his record to 2-0 allowing one hit, one earned run, and striking out six (Box Score).
Jeremy Eck, Mount Aloysius College, (ELCO ’21) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Junior RHP Jeremy Eck was given the unenviable task of starting against the #1 team in the nation on Wednesday as the Mounties traveled to VA to play Shenandoah. Following a three up/three down first inning, the Hornets stung Eck for three hits and three earned runs in the second. Eck was tagged with the loss, although Shenandoah didn’t ever really stop hitting, tallying a 14-1 win (Game Story and Box Score). Eck looks to bounce back at the Ripken Experience this week as Mount Aloysius has six games ahead of them before the return home.
AROUND THE HORN
Gage Miller, Alabama University (Palmyra ’21) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
The Alabama Crimson Tide continued their winning ways in advance of the SEC conference slate and Gage Miller continued to contribute to their success. On Wednesday, Miller’s HR in the seventh was an insurance run on day where he added a sac fly, was hit by a pitch and scored twice in an 8-7 win over Troy (Game Story and Box Score). Rain forced the Friday game to Saturday, which seemed to suit Miller just fine. He led off game one with a home run, added a home run and sac fly in the fifth, drew a walk and hit a double as the Tide slugged it out with Lipscomb, 20-13 (Game Story and Box Score). The junior 3B did not leave the yard in game two, but his 4 for 6 line (with two doubles, two runs, and an RBI) did enough damage in a 10-1 win (Game Story and Box Score). In the series finale, Miller drew two walks and was hit by a pitch and scratched out a base hit in the 8th to extend his hitting streak to 15 games, as Alabama swept Lipscomb (Game Story and Box Score). While Miller’s impact is clear on paper and in game recaps, Head Coach Rob Vaughn was asked about his day on Saturday. Starting at 7:20 in this video (Video Link), the genuine reactions and comments of his skipper and his teammates demonstrate that it’s not likely a matter of “if” as much as it is a matter of “what round” for Miller this summer.
Kasey Shugart, Clarion University of Pennsylvania (Palmyra ’20) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Senior OF Kasey Shugart stayed hot at the plate over three games with the Golden Eagles this week. In a March 7 loss to Glenville, he drove in a run with a single in the fifth and then executed a first/third steal that allowed his teammate to score. He scored again in the eighth in a 2 for 3 day with two walks as the Pioneers defeated Clarion, 14-8 (Game Story and Box Score). Shugart added two more hits in five at bats, but Wheeling defeated Clarion 7-1. In game two of a doubleheader, Clarion got the best of Glenville State by a score of 11-0, in a game that saw Shugart with a single, sac bunt, stolen base, a run scored and two walks (Game Stories and Box Score). Shugart continues to lead his team in batting average.
Tyler Long, Mount Saint Mary’s University, (Annville-Cleona ’20) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Senior SS Tyler Long continues to rake, with a five hit weekend versus Lehigh in two games. In game one, a 3-2 loss, Long singled and scored in the first en route to a 2 for 5 performance. Game two saw Long launch his first HR of the season, scoring twice with a 3 for 5 day with two RBI. That game ended in a 10-10 tie due to darkness (Game Stories and Box Scores). The non-conference series finale was canceled. Long continues to do his part, hitting .308 with a .410 OPB, but the 7.40 staff ERA won’t cut it in the MAAC as The Mount falls to 1-10-1 on the year. Following a game with Maryland, perhaps MSM can right the ship against St. Bonaventure (4-8) before starting conference play on March 22, 2024.
Dylan Beard, Messiah University (Cedar Crest ’21) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Junior utility man Dylan Beard started the scoring early on Thursday versus Washington College, hitting a first inning sac fly out of the DH spot. He subsequently hit an RBI double off the fence in the fourth as the Falcons rolled over the Shoreman, 7-2 (Game Story and Box Score). The Houghton Highlanders were no match for Messiah, as Coach Phill Shallenberger used nineteen position players and eight pitchers in a 16-1 and 11-1 sweep (Game Stories and Box Scores). Beard was 1 for 2 in game one with two runs scored and a walk, and reached on a walk in his only plate appearance in game two, playing first base for the second half of the game. Messiah travels to Eastern Mennonite in Harrisonburg VA on Tuesday then heads to Salisbury to face the number five team in the nation on Wednesday. The MAC opens conference play with Alvernia and Messiah linking up on St. Patty’s Day weekend.
Austin Baal, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Palmyra ’19) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Senior 1B Austin Baal scored a run in the fourth in the opening game versus Mansfield, finishing the game 1 for 3 in a 4-3 loss. In game two on Friday, Baal got things going early as his first inning RBI single gave the Raiders a lead they would never relinquish, adding a run in the third enroute to a 2 for 4 day in a 7-3 win (Game Story and Box Score). Ship will finish the series on Monday as Baal continues to lead the Raiders as an offensive force.
LebCo College Baseball Prospect Tracker: March 5, 2024
Amani Jones, Millersville University of PA (Cedar Crest ’20) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Senior SS Amani Jones was visited by a familiar face as former Falcon teammate Jonny LaBarbera and the Bloomsburg Huskies visited the ‘Ville. The Marauders swept day one, 10-1 and 3-2 (Game Stories and Box Scores). Jones was 2 for 3 in game one with a double and HPB, scoring three times. While hitless in game two, he walked and scored a run in a tight game. On Sunday in game one, Jones did a little bit of everything—2 for 4 with two runs, and RBI, a stolen base and a sac fly as Millersville pounded the Huskies, 13-1 before game 2 was suspended (Game Story and Box Score). Jones’ impressive numbers thus far complement the high powered Marauder offense as they face Mansfield on the Ides of March.
Christian Kreiser, Stevens Institute of Technology (Palmyra ’20) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
An undefeated Stevens Ducks teams rolled into Florida with their work cut out for them, facing off with #3 Baldwin Wallace on Friday. The Ducks fell just short, losing 4-3, a game in which Kreiser added a sac bunt in the third, but by then the final score was already set as offense was non existent past the second inning (Game Story and Box Score). The Ducks then faced off against MAC Freedom conference opponent Lebanon Valley College in early conference action. LVC swept Stevens 4-2 and 17-10 (Game Stories and Box Scores). Kreiser was 2 for 7 with two walks, a stolen base and run scored in the doubleheader, running his OBP to .366%. The Ducks remain in sunny Florida and face #7 Denison, North Central College, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy before heading to Annville on Saturday at noon to finish the season set with LVC.
Gavin Neal, Lock Haven University of PA, (Palmyra ’21) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Offense was sparse for Lock Haven and they faced #24 East Stroudsburg for a weekend four pack. Neal continued to lead Lock Haven in batting average and is near the top in on base percentage, as in a Friday East Stroudburg sweep by scores of 13-0 and 8-2 (Game Stories and Box Scores), Neal was a combined 1 for 3 with two walks and his team leading fourth and fifth hit by pitch. Neal had a quiet Sunday reaching on two bases on balls as East Stroudsburg swept the series, 5-0 and 11-2 (Game Stories and Box Scores). Neal continues to lead the team with a gaudy .511 OBP, largely due to his hit by pitch (5) and walk (10) numbers.
Mason Kepler, Clarion University of Pennsylvania (Palmyra ’21) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
In a 14-8 loss to the Glenville Pioneers, junior C/1B Mason Kepler was hitless (Game Story and Box Score). He next appeared against the Pioneers on Friday, scoring once and drawing a bases loaded walk, one of four free passes on the day (Game Story and Box Score). Following a game with Wheeling on Wednesday, Clarion opens with Cal U of PA for PSAC West Conference play.
Jonathan LaBarbera, Bloomsburg University of PA (Cedar Crest ’20) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Senior 3B Jon Labarbera had a quiet day at the plate on Friday against #6 Millersville on the road, in which Bloom was swept 10-1 and 3-2 (Game Stories and Box Scores). Bloom could only muster two hits on Sunday in game one, a 13-1 loss (Game Story and Box Score). The series finale was halted in the fifth due to weather and is listed as incomplete/suspended. Bloomsburg and Lock Haven continue conference play this weekend.
Dalton Reinhart, Stevenson University, (Cedar Crest ’21) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
The Mustangs played a three game set against Wilson College after a mid week rain out. Reinhart appears to have played himself into the starting lineup based on his early performance. Playing left and batting cleanup on Friday, Reinhart walked twice and swiped a bag as Wilson won 6-1 (Game Story and Box Score). Game two showed that there maybe mound opportunities present for the lefty as Wilson jumped out to a 12-0 lead early in Sunday game one. Reinhart was removed once the game got further out of hand, leaving the game 0 for 2. Reinhart did indeed appear on the bump in game two tossing a scoreless 1-2/3 inning with a strikeout. At the plate he was 1 for 3 with a walk and two runs scored, but his efforts were not enough as Wilson completed the sweep with an 8-6 victory (Game Stories and Box Scores). After non-conference games with Juniata and LVC, Stevenson begins MAC-C play with Hood College.
Robbie Best, CCBC Essex, (Palmyra ’23) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Freshman catcher Robbie Best started behind the plate on Sunday in the second game of a doubleheader split with Mohawk Valley CC (Box Score).
Jacob Deimling, York College of Pennsylvania (Palmyra ’22) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Deimling was hitless in one plate appearance as York downed St. Mary’s, 11-3 (Game Story and Box Score). Following a 2023 in which the sophomore OF was on base at a .415 clip with a couple homers, a .282 average, and 1.000 Fielding Percentage, hopefully more opportunities become available in a stout Spartan offense.
Nick Pagano, Neumann University, (ELCO ’23) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Freshman utility infielder Nick Pagano saw his first collegiate action against Penn State – Berks in Myrtle Beach SC at the Ripken Experience. Entering the game in the sixth as a pinch hitter, Pagano grounded out, but was able to reach base in a subsequent plate appearance, getting hit by a pitch (Game Story and Box Score). Pagano finished the game at first base. Neumann (5-3) is now home and will see ten days of games before they begin their conference schedule.
Noah Gonzalez, Northampton Community College (Cedar Crest ’22) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Working off the bench as a pinch hitter and defensive specialist, sophomore OF Noah Gonzalez was hitless over four plate appearances in three days (Box Score1 Box Score2 Box Score3).
Thomas Zeigler, Messiah University (Palmyra ’21) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Junior OF Tommy Zeigler was 0 for 2 in limited action this week as Messiah beat Washington College and swept a doubleheader from Houghton (Game Stories and Box Scores).
Deklyn Marks, Albright College (Cedar Crest ’22) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
On Monday, March 4, 2024, sophomore 2B Deklyn Marks was hitless as the Lions only mustered seven hits as a team against Gettysburg. The Bullets had no problem with offensive firepower as they rolled over the Lions, 24-2 (Game Story and Box Score). His Sunday against Wilkes was quiet at the plate as Wilkes took game one 8-3 before game two was suspended for weather (Game Story and Box Score).
Brian Lowen, Central Penn College , (Northern Lebanon ’23) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
CPC did not play this week due to weather. Game one and two box scores were posted this past week. Over two games against Mid-Atlantic Christian on February 24, Lowen drew three walks, scored a run and picked up two RBI. CPC has a busy week with two at Penn State-Schuylkill on Tuesday, two at Williamson School of the Trades on Wednesday, and two at Delaware County Community College on Saturday.
IN RESERVE AND IN THE ‘PEN
Jordy Polanco, Lebanon Valley College, (Lebanon High School ’23) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Freshman RHP Jordy Polanco saw some action in a JV/DV (developmental) game on Monday, tossing an inning against Wilkes JV/DV, according to a couple of well placed sources. These games are not posted in box score format for us to link, but we understand that this former Cedar acquitted himself well in his appearance on the mound.
Riley Blatt, Penn State-Harrisburg (ELCO ’21) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Blatt did not see any mound time against #21 Arcadia (1-2), #5 Salisbury (0-2) or #11 Christopher Newport (2-0) as the Lions went 3-4 on the week.
Braden Collazo, Penn State-Harrisburg (Lebanon High School ’22) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Collazzo did not see any mound time against #21 Arcadia (1-2), #5 Salisbury (0-2) or #11 Christopher Newport (2-0) as the Lions went 3-4 on the week.
Jared Ecenroad, Delaware Valley University , (Northern Lebanon ’23) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Ecenroad did not see any action as DelVal was 1-3 this week in Vero Beach.
Dylan Byerly, Virginia Wesleyan University, (Northern Lebanon ’23) Season Stats Upcoming Schedule
Byerly has remained in reserve for the Marlins this season.
FEATURED MOMENTS
The life of a PO…RHPs Austin Beard (4) and Ethan Woods (24, Lower Dauphin HS), ensure correct scoring and substitutions on Monday, March 4, 2024 against D2 JuCo Bay College at The Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC. / Photo Credit with Filter: Steve Beard
Shortstop Brian Coburn receives a cut off from the OF on Monday, March 4, 2024 as Lancaster Bible College defeated Geneva College, 12-3 in Myrtle Beach, SC. / Photo Credit: Steve Beard
Freshman pitcher Bronson Coburn delivers a pitch on Monday, March 4, 2024 as Lancaster Bible College defeated Geneva College, 12-3 in Myrtle Beach, SC. / Photo Credit: Steve Beard
Under the watchful eye of his shortstop and older brother Brian, RHP Bronson Coburn delivers a pitch against Geneva College for the Lancaster Bible College Chargers on Monday, March 4, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, SC. / Photo Credit: Steve Beard
Former Palmyra High School Head Coach and current Lancaster Bible College Associate Head Coach Neil Weber at work in his office on Monday, March 4, 2024 as Lancaster Bible College defeated Geneva College, 12-3 in Myrtle Beach, SC. / Photo Credit: Steve Beard
Lancaster Bible College Associate Head Coach Neil Weber dispenses some wisdom to Freshman RHP Bronson Coburn on Monday, March 4, 2024 as Lancaster Bible College defeated Geneva College, 12-3 in Myrtle Beach, SC. / Photo Credit: Steve Beard
Neumann University infielder Nick Pagano during I/O at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. / Photo Credit: Steve Beard
Northampton Community College RHP Austin Beard delivers a pitch against the North Minnesota College – Itasca Vikings in a 3-2 win on Thursday, March 7, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. /Photo Credit: Jolene Beard
Messiah University junior Dylan Beard at first base on Friday, March 8, 2024 in a blowout win over the Houghton Highlanders at Starry Field in Grantham, PA. / Photo Credit with Filter: Steve Beard
Messiah University’s Dylan Beard secures the final out as the Falcons defeated Houghton on March 8, 2024 at Messiah University in Grantham, PA. / Photo Credit with Filter: Steve Beard
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