With the 2019 high school baseball season just around the corner in Nevada, The first game of the spring season belongs to the College of Southern Nevada.

Today, we will take a closer look at the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes (CSN).  CSN will look to rebound by what they might consider a down year by their standards in 2018. CSN finished 36-21 after beginning the season 22-4. They were bounced from the Scenic West Tournament following consecutive losses after an opening round win.  They will look to build around a core of returning players and look for a spark from some talented newcomers.

Team: College of Southern Nevada

Nickname: Coyotes

Affiliation: National Junior College Athletic Association

Conference: Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC)

Head Coach: Nick Garritano (308-161) 9^th Season

Team Twitter Handle: @CSN_Baseball

 Overall Record: 36-21

2018 League Finish: 17-15,

2018 1^st place Finish in League: College of Southern Idaho

2018 Postseason Finish: 1-2

Number of Returning Starters: 4

Number of Returning Pitchers: 7

Top Returning Players: OF Matthew Wong; IF AJ Amelburu; OF Jay DeSoto; P Matt Gilbertson; P Nick Rupp; P Isaiah Blaylock

College Commits: Matthew Wong – Hawaii; AJ Amelburu – UNLV; Steven Rivas – Houston; Matt Gilbertson – Pittsburgh; Nick Rupp – Houston; Spencer Cofer -UT Permian Basin; Trevor Jackson – Abilene Christian.

Other Players to Watch: OF Steven Rivas; P Chase Bauerle; IF Nick Israel

2019 Outlook:

As they look to rebound from 2018, the Coyotes will rely heavily on returning shortstop, AJ Amelburu (Green Valley), Defensive Player of the Year (SWAC).  In spite of hitting just .229 a year ago, the Coyotes are expecting him to not only lead the defense but provide some experience in the lineup.  In addition, they will be expecting big things from Matthew Wong.  Wong experienced a season ending knee injury in 2018, but prior to the injury, he hit .378.  Jay DeSoto (Bonanza) will likely play an integral part in the Coyote offense after hitting .330 a year ago.  Four-year transfers, Steven Rivas and Nick Israel (Bishop Gorman), could impact the lineup as well as incoming freshman Jack Pineda and Dax Fellows.

On the mound, returning starter Matt Gilberston (Green Valley) will likely anchor the staff.  Gilbertson posted a 1.76 ERA in 56 innings a year ago.  Nick Rupp (Spring Valley) pitched well this fall and returners Alex Tisminezky, JD Brooks (Palo Verde), Buddy Pindell (Silverado), and Spencer Cofer (Green Valley) should provide some depth.  Bounce back, Chase Bauerle (Utah) is likely the hardest thrower on the staff. He has power stuff and could be a force as either a starter or closer type.  Perhaps an even bigger key could be the return of Isaiah Blaylock (Shadow Ridge).  Blaylock posted a 3.69 ERA in his 2017 campaign. He threw 75 innings, striking out 62 while walking only 22.  Blaylock is recovering from arm surgery and when he returns could provide a huge lift to the Coyote staff.

 

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