For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Incoming Rafters are already making an impact on the field.

LSU baseball has played 17 games so far this season. As a freshman, Jordan Thompson has started 15 games. He has driven in 11 runs with 16 hits, five being home runs. Brody Drost has appeared in 14 games, starting 11, and has blasted two homers.

Long Island University had its season opener on March 10 against Fairleigh Dickinson. EJ Exposito hit two home runs – one being a grand slam – and totaled six RBIs on the day. Nick Torres pitched 1.2 innings, striking out two batters, and keeping the bases clear.

The Big East has also returned to action. Sterling Hayes, a sophomore shortstop at Creighton University, is posting a .333 average in 21 at-bats with one home run in the young 2021 season. Senior Hunter Waldis of Seton Hall University has pitched 4.2 innings in four appearances totaling eight strikeouts.

Davidson College began its season in late February. Jacob Hinderleider has appeared in all 13 games with five hits, two doubles, and two RBIs. Jack Gonzales has appeared in two games for Dixie State, pitching in five innings with seven strikeouts.

NCAA Division 3 and NAIA are set to start games in early April.