2022 Spring Preview: Baseball Looks for Seniors to Steer Blue Streaks to Glory

2/27/2022 7:00:00 AM | By: Jack O'Rourke, Staff Writer

Justin Hanley and the Blue Streaks will have some pop in the lineup this year.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The 2021 John Carroll Baseball team laid the groundwork for what is shaping up to be an exciting 2022.

Following a first-round OAC Tournament win, the Blue Streaks fell to the always formidable Marietta Pioneers, but will look to respond strong with firm leadership and a plethora of returning players.

John Carroll opens the 2022 campaign on Sunday with a doubleheader vs. Wittenberg in Xenia, Ohio.

"I'm really excited about this year," said manager Bobby Bell. "We have a lot of guys that were able to get a small taste of what OAC baseball playoffs are like so they are hungry to get back on the diamond and competing."

Pitchers
Mitchell Midea will resume his role as the Blue Streaks' ace this season as he enters his senior campaign. Midea provided nearly 65 innings on the mound, produced a winning record, and held opponents to a batting average below .215 last season. Midea produced electric moments last season, mowing down hitters by the dozen, including a strikeout-filled effort in the OAC postseason opener last year.

Midea will again be complimented with Hudson native Matthew Aukerman, who pitched the third-most innings for the Blue Streaks last season, and graduate student Andrew Steele. Steele started five games for the Blue Streaks last season before suffering an injury. He'll be back with a vengeance this year.

"We're certainly looking for senior leadership to guide the way this year, especially on the mound," said Bell. "We have a good group and a lot of experience on the field that we expect to help us put together a great season."

Jack Bennett led all relievers in innings last season, and will make a return this season for the Blue Streaks.

One young reliever to watch this season is Sylvan Wiley, who may see more time this season building off of his number of late season relief appearances, as well as Jon Ambro, a 6'7 righty and Cleveland native.

Catcher
Victor Glaser and Logan LaMere both saw significant action behind the backstop last season and combined for 19 RBIs while also putting up impressive numbers defensively.

A name to watch this season is Jack Beiter. The freshman from Texas could be an immediate contributor, as he's got plenty of talent.

Infield
Joe Olsavsky will lead the returning infielders for the Blue Streaks. The Pittsburgh native hit above .400 and provided an impressive .542 OB%. The All-OAC infielder is a dynamite hitter at the plate and will be a key cog of JCU's batting order.

Justin Hanley knocked a team-leading 8 home runs and knocked in a team-high 44 RBIs Hanley, a senior, will be a key component of the middle of Coach Bell's order. He's a dynamic power hitter who provides a jolt when the Blue Streaks need him.

Outfield
Erik Daugenti returns for his sophomore season and will be a highlight in the outfield. The tall and athletic framed Clevelander hits well at the plate and is as consistent as a top of the order bat comes.

Bennett Cavaretta and Matthew Springer also return in the outfield for the Blue Streaks after clipping a combined 17 RBIs and will be mixed with a ton of youth.

"Our seniors the last few seasons have really helped build an awesome culture, this year we are looking to build on that," said Bell. "We're looking to take it to the next level and really take strides forward in every aspect of the JCU Baseball program."

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