Sophomore Chase Evans had three multiple-hit performances at the 2021 Avista NAIA World Series

Experienced Infield Primed for 2022 Season

2/1/2022 11:00:00 AM

With several key returning infield pieces, the Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team seems to be primed to prepare defense of last season’s NAIA national championship, the program’s first title.

With the season opener scheduled on Friday, February 4 against Cumberland University (Tennessee), GGCAthletics.com concludes its preseason baseball position preview series by examining the infield.

It’s great to have four returning players who were part of last year’s national championship run. Three of those guys had significant roles in our success and should be this season as well. It has been a real treat to have that quality leadership in our infield,

- Head Coach Jeremy Sheetinger, who has a 74-12 record entering his third season leading the Grizzlies

Junior Myles McKisic emerged as a key piece to the middle infield in 2021 and is one of four returning pieces from the championship squad

Junior Jake Defries held down third base for most of last spring, starting 35 of 37 games. However, nagging injuries kept him from the lineup for two lengthy periods, including GGC’s successful postseason run.

Defries, in his first season in Lawrenceville, had a .439 batting average, with 50 hits and scoring 50 runs, and a .543 on-base percentage from the leadoff position in the batting lineup. The left-handed hitter also drew 23 walks, had just 14 strikeouts in 151 plate appearances, drove in 35 runs, and hit three home runs.

Junior Jake Defries posted a .543 on base percentage in 35 games as the 2021 team's leadoff hitter

When healthy, Jake is one of the best players in the country. His 2021 numbers signify the important role he has in setting the table for our offense. I am excited to see what he can do with a full season,

- Head Coach Jeremy Sheetinger

Junior midfielder Myles McKisic is another standout from last season’s NAIA postseason tournament run. Twelve of his 30 hits for the season came in nine games from May 17 to June 3, including going 4-for-4 and scoring three runs in the championship game victory. For the season, McKisic batted .309 in 45 appearances.

“Myles has played himself into being our starting shortstop (after playing second base in NAIA postseason games). He found a new level confidence at the end of the season and that has carried over to his play throughout our fall practices,” said Sheetinger.

Meanwhile, a pair of returning left-handed hitters are competing for playing time at first base. Sophomore Chase Evans started 33 games and had a .351 batting average with six home runs and 39 runs batted in last spring. Junior J.D. Stubbs connected on four homers in 12 starts and 32 appearances. One of Stubbs’ homers came in the NAIA Avista World Series championship game, while Evans had multiple-hit performances in three of GGC’s five games in Idaho.

“Chase really did a good job of coming into the lineup late in the season and anchoring our infield defense,” said Sheetinger. “J.D. swings a really good bat and is a lefty bat that we can always count on.”

Sophomore Chase Evans debuted at first base for the Middle Georgia State contest on April 20 and the Grizzlies won 22 of their final 23 games, including all five games at the Avista NAIA World Series

Sophomore Adam Alicea-Brooks and freshman Braxton Meguiar are newcomers who will add depth to the infield unit.

A new season provides new opportunities throughout our lineup. There will be new faces in new places. I like the mentality and athleticism of the players. Our goal is to figure out how good this team can be. We’re committed to the day-to-day process and playing to our program standard. This year’s team could have a more dynamic offense (than past teams). We’ll be able to apply pressure in several different ways,

- Head Coach Jeremy Sheetinger

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