2025 Baseball Team
Taylor Brown

Baseball Bob Shreve, Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations

Baseball Preview: Improved Golden Knights Look to Rid Sour Taste of 2024 Campaign

BASEBALL PREVIEW
 
GANNON GOLDEN KNIGHTS (11-34 in 2024) at SHIPPENSBURG RAIDERS (2-2)
DATE/TIME: Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, 2025 (DH) | 3:00 p.m./ 12 noon
BALLPARK/LOCATION: Fairchild Field l Shippensburg, Pa.
LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
 
ERIE, Pa. – 2024 was not an easy season for DJ Cannon. Gannon's fourth-year head baseball coach saw his team suffer numerous injuries, many to the pitching staff. Many losses came late in games. The end result was an 11-34 finish.
 
The Golden Knights enter the 2025 campaign with renewed hope. They were recently picked to finish fifth in the PSAC West preseason poll. Cannon is counting on his team learning from last year's experience.
 
"There were a lot of takeaways from last year," he admitted. "We showed improvement late in the season that gives me confidence that we were doing a lot of the right things. A lot of young guys got experience that will pay off going forward. We lost a lot of games in the late innings, that will help us to prepare more and have better plans in place to finish games. We have really locked in on the basics and making sure that we do not take anything for granted. . We have been trying to stress the small things a lot more and infuse competition into practice more consistently."
 
He's also counting on the returnees recalling the taste of those defeats. "I am excited to the see the growth of our team and our program," he pointed out. "We showed improvement late last year and throughout this fall season. So I am looking forward to seeing how that translates to the spring. I believe we have a special group that has a bit of a chip on their shoulder to prove themselves."
A number of key players are gone from last year's squad, most notably Jared Bielanin (Erie, Pa./McDowell) and Miguel, the starters at third and second base. Kieran Versaw-Barnes (Elkins Park, Pa./Cheltenham) was a top of the rotation starter when healthy but the righthander spent most of his two-year stint at Gannon battling injuries.

Here's a breakdown of the Golden Knights:
 
INFIELD
Look for plenty of competition at catcher where Chris Mullins (Aliquippa, Pa./Hopewell) and Drew Stangelo (Uniontown, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) shared the job a year ago. Cannon calls Brady and Nolan Smith (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mount Lebanon) "two high-level freshmen" so there will be plenty of competition behind the plate.
 
Cannon must find replacements for three of the four infield spots but again plenty of competition exists. Alex Bemis (Monroe, Ohio/Monroe) held down the starting job at shortstop all year.  Lance Slater (Renfrew, Pa./Butler) was expected to see plenty of playing time but played in just one game before going down with a season-ending injury. Brady Lane (Trafford, Pa./Penn-Trafford), Frank Kula (Uniontown, Pa./Laurel Highlands), Tommy Koroly (Mars, Pa./North Catholic) and Hunter Troiano (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seneca Valley) will all see time in the middle infield spots. "To start out, Kula will plug in at second base and Bemis, Slater or Troiano will likely fit in at shortstop," related Cannon. Loghan Strohm and Shane Klinefelter (Mars, Pa./Mars Area) are two young players who are developing nicely according to Cannon.
 
At third base, Gabriel Morales (Bayamon, Puerto Rico/American School) and Nick Walker (McKees Rocks, Pa./Montour) return. Walker saw some time late last year and showed a lot of promise. Cainen Atherton (Mount Union, Pa./Mount Union Area) is a very exciting freshman and figures to see a lot of time at the hot corner.
 
Joey Fazzone (Hermitage, Pa./Hickory) and Dom Costello (North Olmsted, Ohio/North Olmsted) return at first base after seeing some time last year. Cannon bolstered the position with the addition of Wes Parker (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township), a Toledo transfer. Parker projects to take on the lions share to start, but all three will likely see some time throughout the year.
 
OUTFIELD
Cannon notes that the outfield is the most experienced area in the field. Reece Colvin (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep), Brendan Koroly (Mars, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) and Carson Wible (Franklin, Pa./Franklin) return as the primary outfield combination from last season. Matt Smith (Duncansville, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area) and Justin Weaver (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) are two more returners that saw time last season. Brady Gavula (Butler, Pa./Butler Area) is a transfer from Allegany (Md.) CC who will likely take on a large role in the outfield. Connor Smith (Sewickley, Pa./North Allegheny), Ian Soto (Florida, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristiana de Manati), Alex Bemis (Monroe, Ohio/Monroe), Tommy Koroly (Mars, Pa./North Catholic), and Dom Costello (North Olmsted, Ohio/North Olmsted) will also mix in. And Ashton Wheelock (Ashtabula, Ohio/Lakeside) and Evan Spagel (Erie, Pa./Mercyhurst Prep) are other guys working into the outfield mix.
 
PITCHING STAFF
After an injury-plagued 2024 campaign that saw the Golden Knights employ 25 pitchers, Cannon likes what he sees from this year's staff. He does admit there are plenty of unknowns. "I think our pitching staff is very talented," he pointed out. "Going into the year it is hard to say who might be considered our number one, or just who might fill roles throughout the staff. But we have a lot of legitimate options across the board. We also have a really good mix of older, experienced guys and young guys that can balance things out." He noted that Dylan Crowley (Eden, N.Y./Hamburg), Jaret Boyer (New Wilmington, Pa./Wilmington), Matt Graeber (Washington, Pa./Canon-McMillan), Carson Whiteman (Kane, Pa./Kane Area) and Nick Harhai (West Homestead, Pa./Steel Valley) have been here a long time and anchor the staff as veterans and should fill valuable roles in their final seasons. Logan Ayers, Logan Oakes (Kent, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit), Jake Engel, Wyatt Fuduric (Windsor, Ohio/Geneva), Ryan Hood (Latrobe, Pa./Derry Area), Ian Soto (Florida, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristiana de Manati) and Ashton Wheelock (Ashtabula, Ohio/Lakeside) are third- year guys that have thrown in some capacity and will look to fill bigger roles as veterans of the team. Ryan Bioni (Bridgeville, Pa./Chartiers Valley), Jake Boynar (North Ridgeville, Ohio/North Ridgeville), Connor Smith (Sewickley, Pa./North Allegheny) and Cam Ward (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) look to make a jump in their sophomore seasons. Then there's newcomers Brady Berdine (Warren, Pa./Warren Area), Blake Bertucci (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional), Hayden Jenkins (Carrollton, Ohio/Carrollton), Nick Robertson (Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic), and Zach Tkatch (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) are new additions who will compete for roles early in their careers.
 
"I think that we have a great group of guys," Cannon concluded. "They are very bought in and hungry to turn things around quickly. They got a taste of how bad it feels to lose and want nothing more than to be the group that changes things. We have an athletic group that presents a lot of depth and options across the board. We are relatively young, but a lot of those "young" players logged significant playing time last season and are a year older. There is a lot of competition for spots all around the field that is making us better on a daily basis and creating a great environment in our daily practices.
 
Cannon then cautioned, "We are young and have a lot of spots up for grabs. After having the season that we had last year, no one is guaranteed a spot coming into this year. As good as this can be, it may cause for some experimenting with different lineups early on."
 
HEAD COACH
DJ Cannon is in his fourth season as Gannon's head coach after previously serving as the head coach at Chatham University from 2019-21. He guided Gannon to a 29-17 finish in his first season, the fourth-highest win total ever at Gannon. The Golden Knights won the PSAC West regular season title with a 20-8 record and earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament for the second time in school history. Two years ago the Golden Knights looked primed for a second straight PSAC Tournament berth until a late-season swoon. The Golden Knights would finish at 17-26. Last year's squad was decimated with injuries and tough losses as the Golden Knights ended the year at 11-34. Cannon began his coaching career at his alma mater, Seton Hill, as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in 2012. He helped Seton Hill to four straight 40-plus win seasons, including one West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) North Division championship in 2013, two PSAC West titles, two PSAC Tournament championships, six NCAA Division II Regional appearances, and a trip to the NCAA Division II World Series in 2014. Cannon was a four-year regular as a pitcher at Seton Hill.  As a player, Cannon helped his team secure four straight playoff appearances, including three NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional berths. He was also part of leading Seton Hill to its first-ever WVIAC championship in 2010.

TOP RETURNEES
Logan Ayres (New Castle, Pa./Laurel) (LHP, R-So.) – the southpaw saw action in 12 games and in 16.2 innings struck out 16. He earned one save.
 
Alex Bemis (Monroe, Ohio/Monroe) (SS/OF, So.) – Bemis stepped in as a freshman and started at shortstop. He led Gannon with a .293 batting average and was the only player to start all 45 games. He had a team-high 15 doubles while finishing with 2 HRs, 18 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. He also tied for the team lead with 25 runs scored and had a team-high 43 hits. Bemis may also see time in the outfield this season.
 
Reece Colvin (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) (OF, Jr.) – the junior took over in center field and provided the Golden Knights with great defense. He added a .270 batting average at the plate with 22 RBIs and five stolen bases.
 
Jake Engel (RHP, R-So.) –unfortunately the big righthander was limited to just two games and six innings. He went down with a season-ending injury. It is hoped he can return to his freshman form when he finished with a 3-1 record and 3.23 ERA in 47.1 innings.
 
Nick Harhai (West Homestead, Pa./Steel Valley) (RHP, R-Sr.) – another big righty, Harhai showed promise in five games with a 1-0 record and 1.50 ERA.
 
Brendan Koroly (Mars, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) (OF, Jr.) – finished second on the team in batting average as a sophomore with a .286 average while starting 32 games. He had four doubles and 10 RBIs while scoring 22 runs.
 
Logan Oakes (Kent, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) (LHP, Jr.) – appeared in nine games a year ago posting a 1-1 record with a 3.46 ERA in 13 innings.
 
Drew Stangelo (Uniontown, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) (C, So.) – was a solid receiver behind the plate while starting 29 games. Hit .214 with 10 RBIs.  
 
Carson Wible (Franklin, Pa./Franklin) (OF, Jr.) – enjoyed a breakout season at the plate with a .296 batting average and a team-high three home runs. Drove in 22 runs while starting 33 games,

KEY NEWCOMERS
Wes Parker (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) (1B, Jr.) – transfer from Toledo)
Brady Gavula (Butler, Pa./Butler Area) (OF, R-So.) – transfer from Allegany CC
Frank Kula (Uniontown, Pa./Laurel Highlands) (INF, So.) – transfer from Rhode Island
Cainen Atherton (Mount Union, Pa./Mount Union Area) (INF, Fr.) – Mount Union Area (Pa.) High School
Zach Tkatch (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) (RHP, Fr.) – Seneca Valley (Pa.) High School
Brady Berdine (Warren, Pa./Warren Area) (RHP, Fr.) – Warren Area (Pa.) High School

 PLAYER COMMENTS
"The one thing that we can learn is we have to find a way to win period. It doesn't matter if we have to put up 15 runs to do it, it doesn't matter if we have to put up one run in the bottom of the seventh we just have to find a way to win it. Whether it's winning ugly. Last year we let a lot of games slip away. I know that's one of the things we talk about a lot is just being able to shut the door when we have to. Just having to win the game. That's the biggest goal for all of us." -- Jacob Engel (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep)
 
"We had some older guys. But I think it's younger guys who really shined. We were starting three or four freshmen a game. A lot of those guys are going to be key players for us. Bring energy, keep our composure and just play our game. I think a lot of guys are buying into their role so far in the winter. That means some freshmen coming in and learning what their role is. We have some younger guys that understand their role and understand what they gotta do to help us win." -- Alex Bemis (Monroe, Ohio/Monroe)
 
"I think having a bunch of people come back from last year we all have the same bad taste in our mouth from last year having a little bit of a rough year. It can't really get worse than that so we'll be ready to go this year. This team is really close together this year so we have one goal and that's to win games. Having a team that's really close goes a long way." -- Reece Colvin (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep)

SEASON OPENER:
Friday, Feb. 21 at Shippensburg – Weather permitting, Gannon opens the 2025 season with a three-game set at PSAC East foe Shippensburg. The two teams will meet for a single nine-inning game on Friday then play a doubleheader on Saturday. The Raiders have already played four games this year, going 2-2. They were picked to finish xx in the Eastern Division after going 27-21 last year.
 
"We are excited about the schedule this spring," related Cannon. "We have early series with Shippensburg, Lake Erie, and Grand Valley State before conference play starts. These will be challenging series that will get us primed for the regular season slate. We also have a trip to Florida during our spring break that will bring five challenging opponents and hopefully some warm weather! We also have mid-week games scheduled with D'Youville, Walsh and Ashland. All high quality regional games.
 
"As always, the PSAC will be a gauntlet. There are never any "easy" weekend series. Going against a team four times in two days is always difficult. But we are excited to make a jump in the standings after last year's disappointing finish."

HOME OPENER:
Friday, March 21 vs. Clarion – 1:00 p.m. (PSAC West doubleheader)
 
PREASEASON RANKINGS:
Gannon was picked fifth in the PSAC West coaches preseason poll.
 


 
 
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Players Mentioned

Jared Bielanin

#12 Jared Bielanin

INF
6' 2"
Senior
R/R
Kieran Versaw-Barnes

#22 Kieran Versaw-Barnes

RHP
5' 11"
Redshirt Junior
R/R
Logan Ayres

#12 Logan Ayres

LHP
5' 9"
Redshirt Sophomore
L/L
Alex Bemis

#2 Alex Bemis

INF/RHP
5' 11"
Sophomore
R/R
Ryan Bioni

#20 Ryan Bioni

RHP
6' 0"
Sophomore
R/R
Jaret Boyer

#18 Jaret Boyer

RHP
6' 1"
Senior
R/R
Jake Boynar

#52 Jake Boynar

RHP
6' 6"
Sophomore
R/R
Reece Colvin

#3 Reece Colvin

OF
5' 9"
Junior
R/R
Dom Costello

#22 Dom Costello

1B/OF
6' 3"
Sophomore
L/L
Dylan Crowley

#23 Dylan Crowley

LHP
6' 3"
Graduate Student
R/L

Players Mentioned

Jared Bielanin

#12 Jared Bielanin

6' 2"
Senior
R/R
INF
Kieran Versaw-Barnes

#22 Kieran Versaw-Barnes

5' 11"
Redshirt Junior
R/R
RHP
Logan Ayres

#12 Logan Ayres

5' 9"
Redshirt Sophomore
L/L
LHP
Alex Bemis

#2 Alex Bemis

5' 11"
Sophomore
R/R
INF/RHP
Ryan Bioni

#20 Ryan Bioni

6' 0"
Sophomore
R/R
RHP
Jaret Boyer

#18 Jaret Boyer

6' 1"
Senior
R/R
RHP
Jake Boynar

#52 Jake Boynar

6' 6"
Sophomore
R/R
RHP
Reece Colvin

#3 Reece Colvin

5' 9"
Junior
R/R
OF
Dom Costello

#22 Dom Costello

6' 3"
Sophomore
L/L
1B/OF
Dylan Crowley

#23 Dylan Crowley

6' 3"
Graduate Student
R/L
LHP