Texas State Bobcats Baseball 2024 Season Preview 

By Jordan Salas

KTSW Sports Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas — With spring just around the corner, the Texas State Bobcats get ready for the 2024 baseball season with their season opener set for Friday, Feb. 16. After finishing last season 36-23 overall and 17-3 in conference, the Bobcats are ready for another season on the diamond, led by Head Coach Steven Trout. 

Key Returners: Batting 

Among the standout returners in the batting lineup is sophomore second baseman Chase Mora. Mora boasted a .316 batting average in the previous season and has earned preseason accolades, including a spot on the All-Sunbelt Conference team and the NCBWA Preseason All-America 2nd Team. Senior shortstop Davis Powell looks to continue his success at the plate after a .337 batting average and 17 doubles in 2023. Additionally, redshirt senior catcher August Ramirez and senior outfielder/first baseman Cade Manning contribute more power to the lineup after their fine performances from the previous season. 

Key Returners: Pitching 

On the pitching front, senior Jack Stroud leads the charge with a 3.56 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 2023. Joining him is senior Tony Robie, who had a 4.33 ERA and 48 strikeouts a year ago. The pitching rotation is further boosted by redshirt seniors Cameron Bush and Peyton Zabel, who both recorded 30 outs last season. 

New Transfers to Watch  

Notable transfers to watch for this season include infielder/outfielder Cameron Thompson from Purdue, pitcher DJ Burkefrom Texas, and infielder Alec Patino from Ohio. Thompson led Purdue in home runs and RBIs last year, making him a player to watch this season. In 2023, Patino had an extraordinary season for the Ohio Bobcats. Patino led his team in batting average, slugging percentage, hits, doubles, RBIs, and total bases. Burke adds experience to the Texas State pitching roster as a senior who played at Texas, pitching 24.1 innings last year while posting a 2.22 ERA. 

Notable Games for 2024 

Mark your calendars for exciting matchups in 2024, including the Astros Foundation College Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston on March 1st–March 3rd. The tournament will feature games against powerhouses like Texas, Houston, and LSU. Another tournament to look forward to is the Karbach Round Rock Classic, starting February 23rd. The Bobcats will face even more high-level opponents in Kansas, Kentucky, and Washington State. 

Coach Trout said he is looking forward to these matchups and is ready to see what Texas State can do, specifically at the Astros Foundation College Classic. 

“Obviously, at Minute Maid [against] Houston, Texas, then LSU, there should be some awesome crowds. We’ve had some big moments in our program’s history,” Trout said. “I’m excited about those new challenges and excited about what we can do.” 

Conference Opponents to Keep an Eye On 

The Sunbelt Conference is full of fierce competition, with teams like Coastal Carolina, Southern Miss, and Louisiana. Coastal Carolina, topping the Sunbelt preseason poll, brings a solid lineup with lots of talent. Southern Miss, fresh off back-to-back NCAA Baseball Super Regional appearances, poses a significant challenge. Louisiana, equipped with preseason Sunbelt Player of the Year Kyle DeBarge, adds depth to the conference competition. 

What’s Next 

With a challenging schedule ahead, the Texas State Bobcats are set for a thrilling season. 

Don’t miss the season opener against Youngstown State on Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at Bobcat Ballpark, with live coverage available on KTSW 89.9. Stay updated with KTSW Sports for all the latest news throughout the 2024 campaign.