RENO - If it's raining or snowing that means baseball season is ready to begin at the University of Nevada.
The Wolf Pack (30-29 overall, 14-16 in conference) open practice today despite the fact it can't get onto Peccole Park because of recent snowstorms. Nevada opens its season Feb. 4 at UOP.
Head coach Gary Powers, who needs 26 wins to reach the 700 mark for his illustrious career, will use the indoor batting cages at Peccole and Lombardi Gym for his workouts until the weather settles down.
Powers has a solid veteran group returning. Nineteen lettermen, including six starting position players, are back.
The returning position players are led by junior catcher Brett Hayes, outfielder Jacob Butler, second baseman Carlos Madrid, shortstop Robert Marcial, first baseman Ben Mummy and designated hitter Baker Krukow.
Hayes is a two-time all-Western Athletic Conference performer. He hit .337 last year with eight homers and 48 RBIs. He can also play third base and the outfield.
Butler, a senior, led the WAC with 16 homers a year ago. Butler scored 58 runs and drove in 58 runs en route to a .354 batting average. He was named to the preseason Baseball America squad.
Mummy, who was limited to 37 games because of a broken wrist, hit a robust .367 with eight homers and 41 RBI. Krukow, who saw a lot of action at designated hitter late in the season, hit .307 with six RBI.
Marcial, a three-year starter, was dependable last season. He hit .298 with 52 runs scored, five homers and 43 RBI. He was the top fielding shortstop in the WAC with a .945 mark. Madrid, who made 50 starts last season, hit .250 with 32 RBI.
There are three starting spots open as practice starts - third base, left field and center field - as Nevada must replace ex-Carson star Joe Mercer (.313), Chris Gimenez (.314) and Brian Gazzero (.266).
As usual, pitching remains the biggest question mark for the Wolf Pack. Nevada returns its three weekend starters - Travis Sutton (8-5, 5.43), Ryan Rodriguez (5-7, 6.09) and Adam Colton (4-2, 6.15).
Tim Schoeninger, a junior transfer from Nebraska, has a good chance to break into the weekend rotation. He throws 94 mph, which would make him effective as a starter or closer. Wesley Dorsett, a JC transfer, also is expected to bolster the Nevada bullpen.
Nevada's 38-man roster is dotted with area players - ex-Dayton standout Matt Bowman, who is battling for playing time at second base; ex-Douglas star Austin Graham (.258, 17 RBI), who will see action at first base, designated hitter and the outfield; ex-Carson catcher-pitcher Owen Brolsma, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will redshirt this year; and ex-Galena infielder Warren Whitley.
Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1281.
