Hey there Black Bears fans! Zack Smolen back with you for another edition of the Cowlitz Black Bears Blog, and we have a good one for you this month. With spring just around the corner, college baseball is getting into full swing, with many programs already a couple of weeks into their respective seasons. As we whet our collective appetite for summer ball that’s less than 100 days away, I thought it’d be fun to take a look at some of the hot starts some 2022 Black Bears are off to for their respective collegiate programs.
Matthew Schwarz (Lower Columbia): Matthew is one of three returning players for Cowlitz this summer, and was an anchor for the team as an everyday lineup force, and a stellar defender at the shortstop position. He’s bringing that same productivity and tenacity to his JUCO squad as his .355/.459/.419 slash line, 13 total bases and nine runs scored have helped the Red Devils get off to a perfect 8-0 start, tied with Columbia Basin for the best record in the NWAC. As the team leader in hits, at-bats, average, and total bases, Schwarz seems to have picked up right where he left off last summer and continues to be a model of consistency in Longview.
Calyn Halvorson (Northern Oklahoma): If anyone on this summer’s team is going to be able to consistently challenge the “pitcher’s park” reputation of David Story Field, it’s going to be Calyn. After hitting 19 home runs with 70 RBI last season for the Jets, Halvorson is continuing to show off his power stroke in 2022, slashing .327/.422/.655 with four home runs, six doubles, 15 RBI and 33 total bases in 17 games. He’s currently among the NJCAA II leaders in home runs, and leads his team in nearly every offensive category. Expect him to be a key middle-of-the-order staple in a couple of months.
Ryan Hardman (Dixie St.): One of the biggest strengths of last year’s Black Bears squad was their stellar pitching staff, and so far in 2022, Hardman seems like an arm that can keep that tradition alive. In three appearances out of the bullpen for the Trailblazers, Ryan has earned a 1-0 record to go with a 1.20 WHIP, eight strikeouts, and just two walks in 8.1 innings. His 1.08 ERA also has him representing his team in the top-10 for that stat in the entire WAC. Additionally, he’s apparently also been an early-season good luck charm for Dixie St. as the 4-4 squad have emerged victorious in each game he’s pitched in.
Matthew Dalquist (UC San Diego): Dalquist is another excellent arm to keep on your radar throughout the college season as he’s already earned a spot at the top of the Tritons’ rotation as a true freshman. In two starts, the right hander is 1-0 with a 2.92 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, eight strikeouts, and two walks in 12.1 innings, giving him the second-lowest ERA and WHIP among starters on his team. Though it can be tough to tell what role a pitcher will have on any summer ball team, Dalquist looks like someone who can crack the Cowlitz rotation this coming summer.
Cade McGee (Gonzaga): The two-way threat for the Bulldogs has shown some solid flashes in all aspects of his game in his first seven collegiate appearances. On the offensive end, Cade is second on the team with a .304 average and .478 slugging, while also driving in three runs and smashing four doubles. In his one start on the mound, he gave up three runs to Cal in 4.2 innings while striking out six to just five hits and a walk. I recall Kelly Austin getting a pair of hits in as many at-bats last season, but besides that Cowlitz seldom sent a pitcher up to the plate. However, that will almost certainly change given McGee’s skillset and the versatility that he brings.
So there you have it folks! Just a handful of standouts among future (and returning) Black Bears in the first bit of college baseball that will hold us over until another exciting summer at David Story Field. Until then, keep warm and maybe even tune in to watch some of these young men and their teams!
-Stay Frosty