BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2023 SWAC Baseball Predicted Order of Finish along with its Preseason Teams and Individual Award selections on Friday afternoon.
Alabama State was picked to finish in 1st place in the SWAC's Eastern Division. The Hornets tallied eight first-place points and 103 total points. Bethune-Cookman (2nd), Florida A&M (3rd), Jackson State (4th), Alabama A&M (5th), and Mississippi Valley State (6th) round out the list of SWAC East Preseason selections.
Southern was tabbed to finish in 1st place in the SWAC's Western Division. The Jaguars amassed eleven first-place votes and 109 total points. Grambling State (2nd), Prairie View A&M (3rd), Texas Southern (4th), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5th), and Alcorn State (6th) highlight the SWAC West Preseason selections.
Pitcher of the Year & Preseason All-SWAC First Team
In 2022, Hunter Viets appeared in 15 games for the Rattlers. He had an 8-4 record, pitched in 90 innings, had a WHIP of 1.22, and an ERA of 2.98. He was named to the All-SWAC Second Team for having a tremendous year on the mound. His notable game came against Bethune-Cookman on April 10, where he pitched eight innings to help the Rattlers sweep BCU. Viets only allowed one hit during the series while striking out ten batters. He was awarded SWAC Pitcher of The Week for that performance.
Preseason All-SWAC Second Team
Last season, Joseph Pierini played in 59 games for the Rattlers. He had 224 at-bats, 71 hits, 13 doubles, four triples, five home runs, 32 RBIs, and a .317 batting average which was the second-best on the team. He also had a slugging percentage of .478. His notable game came against Mississippi Valley, where he posted three home runs and 7 RBIs.
Ty Hanchey played in 44 games last season as a Rattler. He had 158 at-bats, 56 hits, 29 runs, 15 doubles, a triple, three home runs, 30 RBIs, a batting average of .354, and a slugging percentage of .519. Ty was the Rattlers top performer in the SWAC Tournament, driving in seven runs, three doubles, two home runs, and 12 RBIs. He also had a key RBI single to break the 7-7 tie to help the Rattlers beat Southern in extra innings.
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