SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The North Dakota State baseball team has been picked to finish third in the Summit League preseason poll, as released by the league office on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Omaha was picked first in the poll with 15 points, holding a one point edge over Oral Roberts. The Mavericks received three first place votes, while the Golden Eagles earned the remaining two. NDSU was third in the poll with 10 points, while South Dakota State (seven points) and Western Illinois (four points) rounded out the poll. North Dakota State finished the 2020 season with an 8-9 record that was shortened due to Covid-19. Omaha won the 2019 Summit League regular season and tournament titles.
Senior shortstop Bennett Hostetler and senior pitcher Parker Harm were named to the Summit League Players to Watch list. Hostetler started all 17 games last year at shortstop. He finished with a .216 average and led the team with two home runs. Harm made five appearances out of the bullpen, finishing with a 1-0 record and a 3.00 ERA in nine innings of work. He struck out 11, while walking just four.
The Bison are scheduled to open the 2021 campaign with a three-game series at Western Kentucky Feb. 19-21.
2021 Summit League Baseball Preseason Poll
1 – Omaha – 15 points (3 first place votes)
2 – Oral Roberts – 14 (2)
3 – North Dakota State – 10
4 – South Dakota State – 7
5 – Western Illinois – 4
Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.
2021 Summit League Players to Watch
Bennett Hostetler | North Dakota State | Sr. | SS
Parker Harm | North Dakota State | Sr. | LHP
Joey Machado | Omaha | Sr. | RHP
Breyden Eckhout | Omaha | Sr. | 3B
Trey Wolf | Oral Roberts | So. | RHP
Adam Oviedo | Oral Roberts | Jr. | SS
Adam Mazur | South Dakota State | Fr. |RLHP
Drew Beazley | South Dakota State | So. | 1B
Austin Edwards | Western Illinois | Jr. | RHP
Trent Bauer | Western Illinois | Sr. | C
Note: Players to Watch selected by league’s head coaches
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