For Pilots baseball, things are looking bright. Hot off a record-setting number of wins last season with a veteran group, the 2025 team is young, promising and looking to keep the momentum going. Read on for everything you need to know about UP baseball this season.
Last season was one for the record books
A veteran team with pitching prowess led the Pilots to a record breaking run last season. The team went 37-19 overall — a program record — and 19-5 in conference play. It was also the Pilots’ third consecutive season with 30-plus wins, helping the team make their second consecutive appearance in the WCC Championship title game, which they lost 8-6 to San Diego.
Head Coach Geoff Loomis says that although there’s uncertainty with how this season’s younger group will perform, the team is focused on sustaining their newfound success.
“Certainly one of our goals is going to be keeping that momentum,” Loomis said. “Last year, we knew what we had… this year is a little bit different because of all the unknowns. But talent-wise, we have it.”
The Pilots also garnered recognition individually: junior right-handed pitcher Carter Gaston was named WCC Pitcher of the Year, was an All-WCC First Team pick and posted an 11-2 record — a program record for most season wins.
Along with the accolades came success in the 2024 MLB Draft as a trio of Pilots pitchers were picked up. Sam Stuhr, Nick Brink and Joey Gartrell were taken in the fifth, seventh and 15th rounds respectively. Stuhr’s selection by the Oakland Athletics makes him the highest Pilot drafted since Pilot Athletics Hall of Famer Kory Casto in 2003.
Senior infielder Spencer Scott fields a ball during practice. Photo courtesy of Pilot Athletics.
This young team could have all the pieces for the postseason
Though the team lost several veteran players by draft or graduation following the 2024 season, this Portland team is hopeful that fresh talent — 19 new players out of 38 total — will keep them on an upward trajectory. Senior infielder Spencer Scott says that the inexperienced makeup of the team might be their strength.
“I think it's super exciting having such a young group,” Scott said. “A lot of guys that kind of play with their hair on fire and really feel like they don't have anything to lose…It's just a bunch of guys that are really eager to kick off their college career and jump into it.”
Loomis says that outfielder and switch hitter Cory Nitowitz, infielder and right-handed pitcher Trey Swygart, left-handed pitcher Logan Anderson and outfielder and left-handed pitcher Aaron Louis are the young talents that Pilots fans should watch out for.
Alongside new players are more experienced pieces that have garnered recognition ahead of the season’s start. Gaston, senior infielder Zach Toglia and Scott have all been named to the All-WCC Preseason Team. Gaston was also named to the NCBWA Preseason All-American Second Team.
Scott says that this young group, combined with experienced players who are taking on leadership roles, could prove to be a potent mix.
“We got a good mix of older guys that have been around for a little bit, helping [younger players] along the way and teaching them what college baseball is about, what being in Portland is about,” Scott said. “This combination of people could definitely make us go far.”
Junior infielder Brady Bean on base in a game against Oregon. Photo courtesy of Pilot Athletics.
The schedule is full of matchups you won’t want to miss
The Pilots will open non-conference play in a four-game series against California Baptist in Riverside, California Feb. 14-17. According to Loomis, the start of competition will indicate whether the young team is ready to rise to the level of collegiate play.
“It’s a talented group for sure,” Loomis said. “But you look at the [season’s start] to get a better feel for that. How do the young guys and the new players adjust to our program and the competition?”
From fresh talent to veteran players, the team is thrilled to have a three-game series against Arkansas on the schedule March 7-9. Arkansas ranks as high as no. 5 in preseason rankings, and for players, the opportunity to soak in SEC baseball culture is unmatched.
“Arkansas is going to be super fun,” Scott said. “One of the best teams in the country but also their environment, probably a lot of fans, a lot different than West Coast baseball. A lot of us are looking forward to getting down there and playing in that environment. That's going to be a blast.”
Once conference play starts, the Pilots will aim to come out on top against Gonzaga May 15-17 in the last series before WCC tournament play begins. The games will be essential as the team looks to snag a top-two seed for a first round bye in their journey to bring home the title.
The team’s full season schedule can be accessed here.
Maggie Dapp is the Sports Editor at The Beacon. She can be reached at dapp26@up.edu.
