EIGHT BUC BASEBALL PLAYERS SIGN WITH 4-YEAR SCHOOLS

 Blinn is coming off a 37-17 season that included an appearance in the Region XIV tournament

Eight Blinn College baseball players have signed with four-year programs to continue their academic and athletic careers.

Outfielder Drew Ardoin signed with Lamar University, catcher Marshall Skinner signed with Northwestern State University, outfielder Craig Mattes signed with Texas Wesleyan University and third baseman Koby Collins signed with Campbell University. From the Buccaneer pitching staff, Kyle Gray signed with Auburn University, Zach Smith signed with the University of Central Arkansas, Cody Collins signed with Houston Baptist University and Andrew Morgan signed with University of Incarnate Word.

“This was a very business-like group of guys who didn’t have to be reminded about their responsibilities,” said Harvey McIntyre, Blinn head coach. “They were able to have a lot of success both on and off the field because of who and what they are, and it is nice to see them continue their academic and athletic journeys.”

Ardoin hit .224 and drove in 11 runs, while Skinner batted .263, produced 35 hits, and recorded 35 RBIs. Koby Collins posted a .240 batting average and drove in 39 runs, and Mattes recorded one run and one hit in 11 games.

Gray posted a 7-2 record on the mound and led Blinn with 92 strikeouts, while posting a 3.33 earned run average. Smith recorded one win and struck out 10 in 10 1/3 innings. Cody Collins recorded two wins and struck out 12 in 16 innings, and Morgan posted a 5-2 record and tallied 40 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings.

Blinn finished the season with a 37-17 record and placed second in the Region XIV South Zone Division with a 25-8 conference record.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 38 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.