2021 Coker Baseball Season Preview

HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker University baseball team is preparing for the start of the 2021 season under head coach Bob McLaughlin, his second at the helm of the Cobras. 

The Coker coaching staff will rely heavily on its returners to help lead the Cobras to success on and off the field.

 "We have a solid group of returners who will bring much-needed experience to our lineup and pitching staff," said McLaughlin. "We are very happy with our returners and how they have progressed throughout their careers here at Coker." 

The Cobras are returning 22 players from last year's team, Coker will be adding to their talented group with a freshman class of 18 and 11 transfers. 

Key returners for the Cobra's offense include senior infielder Phill Griffor, who hit .266 last season with three homers and led the team in RBI with 21. Senior outfielder Reilly Hall, who hit .217 with 10 RBI, and junior catcher Brian Castillo who had four RBI, a homer, and a .256 batting average last season for Coker. 

From the mound, Coker returns several key arms including senior reliever Griffin Hollifield, who led the team with the lowest earned run average (ERA) last season with a mark of 1.47, 18 strikeouts, two wins and a save. Coker also returns senior Tanner Wofford, who led the team in strikeouts with 26 in 27.1 innings of work through six starts for the Cobras. Senior Aaron Mitchell struck out 15 in 22.2 innings of work in six appearances and three starts last season for the Cobras. 

McLaughlin believes that transfers Cam Murray, Corey Listing, Brendan Mullins, Triston Fowler and Austin Roark will be important pieces for this team's success.

"We have a lot of new guys in the lineup/rotation that consists of transfers and freshmen that should make an impact in their first season," said McLaughlin. McLaughlin's goal for the season is to "compete day in and day out to the best of our ability and make the conference tournament."

The Cobras open up their season on the road in Hickory, N.C. on Saturday (Feb. 13) in a doubleheader against Lenoir-Rhyne University. The first pitch is set for 12:00 p.m. with game two scheduled to begin 30 minutes after. Live stats and video coverage available at www.cokercobras.com.