OC Coyotes add pitching heat

Photo: Contributed - John Pentland

Okanagan College Coyotes senior catcher Tyler Pentland.

The Okanagan College Coyotes are adding depth to their pitching roster this year, with one goal in mind, a championship. 

In 2014, the Coyotes were bounced out of the Canadian College Baseball Conference championships in the first playoff round after squandering a 6-2 lead to eventual champions Prairie Baseball Academy.  

With a new season starting Feb. 5 in San Marcos, Calif., against St. Katherine's College, the Coyotes are preparing for a successful playoff run.

The team will rely on key arms right-handers  Marcus Drewry of Parksville, who posted a perfect 5-0 conference record in 2014, and Austin Orsted of Calgary, along with lefty Zach Burlon of Etobicoke, Ont.  

“We will look to (Dreary) to lead the staff in his final year," says head coach Geoff White.  

“Orsted … looks to emerge as one of the pitching staff leaders, both of these guys will be looked upon as mainstays.”

The fourth spot in the rotation will be solidified over the preseason.  

Among several prospects up for the job is Kelowna freshman Will Russell.  

Russell is a year out of playing for the local Okanagan Athletics of the B.C. Premier Baseball League, where he pitched a team-leading 58 innings in 2013. 

“Russell had a strong fall and has the ability to throw on short rest, so we will see how the early spring plays out in a variety of roles,” said White.  

The pitching bench also includes Valley locals Joey Fraser and Wyatt Hummel of West Kelowna, and Tyler Lemke and Brett Fleming of Penticton.

“It should be fairly competitive for innings this spring with a deep pitching staff,” White added.

The Coyotes will host the 2016 and 2017 CCBC National Championships.

Season tickets are available at: www.okanagancollegebaseball.