Completed Event: Baseball versus No. 11 seed Kansas State on May 19, 2026 , Loss , 5, to, 9
Final Score
Baseball
5
vs No. 11 seed Kansas State
9
The University of Utah Athletics
Position Breakdown: Catcher/Pitcher
2/12/2019 5:32 PM | Baseball
The 2019 baseball season begins this Friday against Texas State, and after previously taking a look at the infield and outfield, now it's time for the pitchers and catchers.
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Catchers
Two freshmen split duties at catcher last season as Chris Rowan, Jr. started 32 games and played in 36 and Shea Kramer started in 31 games and played in 37 overall.
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They were pushed into action because Zack Moeller had a season-ending injury in 2018, but is back and will assume a big role not only on defense, but also offense.
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"The return of Zack Moeller is really significant to our team," head coach Bill Kinneberg said. "He had Tommy John Surgery last year and didn't play. That really hurt us in the fact that his leadership and his offensive abilities were lost. He was probably going to hit in the three-hole last year for us so big loss on the leadership wise and definitely on the offensive side. He's back and getting healthy and stronger. Earlier in the year, he'll probably catch two games per weekend and DH the other game. We're really happy to have him back."
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As a sophomore, Moeller hit .265 and was third on the team with a .429 slugging percentage. He was second on the team with five home runs and had 30 RBI.
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He not only will help on the offensive side, but will be a big help to the pitchers.
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"Zack is a really good receiver and balls don't get by him very often, which keeps the double play in order, so there are a lot of things that are behind the scenes that the catchers have to do that people don't usually see," Kinneberg added. "That is a comfort for us knowing that Zack will be back."
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Kramer has been moved to first for this upcoming season and Rowan is currently battling injuries, but freshman Jayden Kiernan has been playing well in practice and will get a chance behind the plate early in the season.
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Another catcher that provides depth is Chris Diehl. He transferred in Central Arizona College and is originally from Fort Collins, Colorado.
"We feel like we've got four catchers if all healthy can catch and compete at our level so we feel pretty good about that," Kinneberg added.
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Pitchers
Heading into the season, Kinneberg has a good idea of the three starters and a few newcomers will get a chance to help out as well.
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Brett Brocoff, Riley Pierce and Kyle Robeniol will start the season as the three starters. All three combined to have 20 starts in 2018.
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Other potential starters are Ian MacIver, who is coming off an injury, as well as Joshua Tedeschi. If these two aren't starting then they will be involved in the bullpen.
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"Tedeschi had a little injury this fall so we're going a little slower with him, but he's going to be involved in very important innings later in the ballgame if he isn't starting," Kinneberg said. "That's where we'd like to keep him, but it depends if we can get to that point. Josh proved last year he can start."
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A few freshmen have could make an impact as well. Zac McCleve may get a look as a closer.
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"He looks like he could be a candidate for our closer," Kinneberg said. "In short stints, I think he could be very productive for us."
McCleve is from West Valley, Utah and went to Cyprus HS. He was named First Team All-State and First Team All-Region while being named MVP of Region 4. He had a 13 strikeout no hitter as well.
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Dustyn Schramm will be relied on to eat up innings. He is a freshman from Fresno, California. Two other freshmen, David Watson and John Liffrig, both will be developed into starters.
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A season ago, the pitching staff struggled at times having a 6.65 ERA for the season, so between experience some of the players got last year and some talented freshman coming in they will look to be more consistent this season. Â
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Catchers
Two freshmen split duties at catcher last season as Chris Rowan, Jr. started 32 games and played in 36 and Shea Kramer started in 31 games and played in 37 overall.
Â
They were pushed into action because Zack Moeller had a season-ending injury in 2018, but is back and will assume a big role not only on defense, but also offense.
Â
"The return of Zack Moeller is really significant to our team," head coach Bill Kinneberg said. "He had Tommy John Surgery last year and didn't play. That really hurt us in the fact that his leadership and his offensive abilities were lost. He was probably going to hit in the three-hole last year for us so big loss on the leadership wise and definitely on the offensive side. He's back and getting healthy and stronger. Earlier in the year, he'll probably catch two games per weekend and DH the other game. We're really happy to have him back."
Â
As a sophomore, Moeller hit .265 and was third on the team with a .429 slugging percentage. He was second on the team with five home runs and had 30 RBI.
Â
He not only will help on the offensive side, but will be a big help to the pitchers.
Â
"Zack is a really good receiver and balls don't get by him very often, which keeps the double play in order, so there are a lot of things that are behind the scenes that the catchers have to do that people don't usually see," Kinneberg added. "That is a comfort for us knowing that Zack will be back."
Â
Kramer has been moved to first for this upcoming season and Rowan is currently battling injuries, but freshman Jayden Kiernan has been playing well in practice and will get a chance behind the plate early in the season.
Â
Another catcher that provides depth is Chris Diehl. He transferred in Central Arizona College and is originally from Fort Collins, Colorado.
"We feel like we've got four catchers if all healthy can catch and compete at our level so we feel pretty good about that," Kinneberg added.
Â
Pitchers
Heading into the season, Kinneberg has a good idea of the three starters and a few newcomers will get a chance to help out as well.
Â
Brett Brocoff, Riley Pierce and Kyle Robeniol will start the season as the three starters. All three combined to have 20 starts in 2018.
Â
Other potential starters are Ian MacIver, who is coming off an injury, as well as Joshua Tedeschi. If these two aren't starting then they will be involved in the bullpen.
Â
"Tedeschi had a little injury this fall so we're going a little slower with him, but he's going to be involved in very important innings later in the ballgame if he isn't starting," Kinneberg said. "That's where we'd like to keep him, but it depends if we can get to that point. Josh proved last year he can start."
Â
A few freshmen have could make an impact as well. Zac McCleve may get a look as a closer.
Â
"He looks like he could be a candidate for our closer," Kinneberg said. "In short stints, I think he could be very productive for us."
McCleve is from West Valley, Utah and went to Cyprus HS. He was named First Team All-State and First Team All-Region while being named MVP of Region 4. He had a 13 strikeout no hitter as well.
Â
Dustyn Schramm will be relied on to eat up innings. He is a freshman from Fresno, California. Two other freshmen, David Watson and John Liffrig, both will be developed into starters.
Â
A season ago, the pitching staff struggled at times having a 6.65 ERA for the season, so between experience some of the players got last year and some talented freshman coming in they will look to be more consistent this season. Â
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Players Mentioned
RHP
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LHP
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RHP
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LHP
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LHP
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RHP
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