(Longview, WA) -- The Lower Columbia College team is ready for another exciting season of NWAC baseball.

The Devils open up the season with a home doubleheader against Chemeketa on Thursday February 20th. First pitch at Story Field is at 1 pm.

Head coach Kurt Lupinski and assistants Mike Callia and Alex Brady have put together another talented roster.

PITCHING

The staff will be anchored by returning sophomore lefthander Chayse Oxborrow and returning righty Hunter Grasser.  Two freshmen will get the opportunity in the early going, righty Caden Spanier and lefty Quinn Hubbs.

The bullpen will have plenty of talented options including tested returners Josh Mejia and Stephen Hammergren.

Other sophomores who have a season under their belts are Kaden Harris, Ryan McClaskey, Kaden Larson, Aaden Anderson and Ryan Vorphal. They know what it takes and can share with the younger guys on staff.

Pitching coach Mike Callia expects contributions from seven talented freshmen Wyatt Mcdonald, Harlan Rowe, Chase Krueger, Matthew Kosderka, Cole Pentin, Kellen Colglazier and catcher/pitcher Dante Santulli.

INFIELD

Familiar names who will be back this season are shortstop Langen Naylor, versatile Brayden Oram, experienced Jace Nagler, versatile IF/OF Owen Cummins and two-way Kaden Harris.

Sam Davidson has been impressive at third base and he headlines a group of freshmen infielders that have all shown they can compete for time. That group includes middle infielder Drew Abercrombie, two-way Harlan Rowe, and Dossen Morrow. 

OUTFIELD

Speed and versatility will be on display for the Red Devil outfield.  Karsten Hansen is a lefty bat and plays great defense.  Garrett Cooper also hits lefthanded with a big arm.  Sophomore Blake Mattern and freshmen Easton Marshall are both lefty bats who can run.

Aiden Horsley returns after an injury redshirt year and he can be a big bat at the corner outfield.

CATCHER

Anchoring the catching staff is sophomore returner Matthey Bailey who is solid defensively and works well with pitchers.  His offense has gotten much better.

Also working hard to get opportunities is R.A. Long product Jared Childers, catcher/pitcher Dante Santulli and Agassi Owen who is coming off injury with a big time arm.