By: McPherson College Athletics
WICHITA, Kan. (macbulldogs.com) — The McPherson College Bulldogs baseball team placed six players on the All-KCAC teams following a second-place finish, the league announced today (May 2).
Antonio Fernandez picked up a unanimous selection to the All-KCAC first team after leading the league in doubles (26) and batting average (.464) and ranking second in the KCAC with 75 RBIs. Fernandez was a two-time KCAC Player of the Week and led the Bulldogs with 12 home runs. His season was highlighted by hitting for the cycle for the third time in program history in a 14-9 comeback win over then-No. 19-ranked USAO.
Blake Maddock also notched a first-team selection for the second consecutive year following another outstanding season that saw him win back-to-back KCAC Pitcher of the Week honors. The Oakdale, Calif. native finished the season tied for third in the KCAC with 74 strikeouts, including a school-record-tying 12 punchout performance in a 5-4 win over Avila.
“We are honored to have six of our players honored by the KCAC in the all-conference voting,” co-interim head coach Andrew Pratt said. “Fernandez, (Caleb) Feuerstake, and (Gage) Ninness were all outstanding for our offense this year. Maddock was able to put together another impressive year on the mound, along with having the ability to flash the leather. (Darby) Gilbert and (Tyler) Norris were also stalemates in our rotation.”
Feuerstake secured second-team honors, batting .366 with six home runs and 35 RBIs. He also had 12 doubles, two triples, and a team-best 12 stolen bases.
Ninness, Gilbert, and Norris each earned All-KCAC honorable mention selections. Ninness was tied for second in the league with four triples while batting .341 and adding ten doubles. Gilbert finished the regular season with 54 strikeouts, including setting the school record (12 strikeouts) that Maddock tied later in the year. Norris made 11 starts for the Bulldogs this season, posting a 5.63 ERA with 58 strikeouts.
The Bulldogs open the KCAC postseason tournament Thursday (May 4) at 11 a.m. and will square off against the winner between third-seeded Tabor and Friends.
“We are looking forward to all these guys competing in the conference tournament later this week.”
