Week 5 marked an exciting milestone for the GRB Rays alumni as players from all levels—Division I, II, III, and JUCO—officially got their seasons underway. With more programs taking the field, the impact of Rays alumni was felt nationwide, from opening weekend debuts to early-season statement performances. As schedules fill out across every division, our guys are already making noise and setting the tone for the spring ahead.
Joey Nerat (Iowa) turned in a productive stretch during the March 9–15 window, contributing multiple key hits in Iowa’s midweek and weekend action. He recorded 7 hits on the week, including two home runs at Penn State, an RBI double and a run-scoring single, continuing to drive in runs in clutch spots for the Hawkeyes. Nerat finished the weekend with seven RBIs and four walks and is hitting .383 on the season.
John Hadley (Milwaukee) put together a strong week at the plate during the March 9–15 stretch, contributing multiple hits and runs in the Panthers’ opening Horizon League series play. He belted two home runs while driving in four runs. Tate Schmidt pounded out four hits with four runs and two walks, while Dominic Kibler had five hits, six runs scored, three doubles and five walks.
Owen Washburn extended his hitting streak to 14 games for Wichita State. Washburn secured eight hits and scored eight runs while raising his batting average to .447 on the season.
Jake Schaffner (North Carolina) continued his strong early-season presence at the plate during the March 9–15 stretch, appearing in four games and going 6-for-15 (.400) with a double, a home run, and 5 RBIs. He consistently put together quality at-bats, reaching base at a .500 clip while also drawing three walks. Schaffner’s ability to drive in runs and spark the offense played a key role in North Carolina’s productive week.
Jaxon Clayton (BYU) turned in a strong week out of the bullpen during the March 9–15 stretch, making an appearance and tossing 1.0 scoreless inning with 2 strikeouts in a win over Utah Tech. Over the course of the early season, Clayton has been dominant in limited action, allowing no runs across 2.2 innings while striking out 5.
Kolton Schaller (Kent State) delivered one of the most impactful performances of the week during the March 9–15 stretch, highlighted by a series vs. Central Michigan where he launched two home runs and drove in 5 runs.
Aaron Jungers (Lindenwood) continued to be a reliable arm out of the bullpen during the March 9–15 stretch, turning in a scoreless appearance while flashing swing-and-miss stuff. He worked multiple innings on the week, combining for 3.0+ scoreless frames with 5 strikeouts and limiting opposing hitters to minimal contact. Jungers’ ability to shut down late innings and miss bats continues to make him a key piece of the Lions’ pitching staff.
Liam Moreno pounded out 10 hits, including his first homer of the season for St. Cloud State. Moreno scored 10 runs and drove in seven RBI.
Cal Fisher (Florida State) put together a productive week during the March 9–15 stretch, appearing in multiple games as the Seminoles opened ACC play. He collected 3 hits across the week while also scoring multiple runs, including contributing to a key early scoring rally with a two-RBI knock against Florida.
Cole Selvig was the tough-luck loser as he went 6.1 IP with five hits and a lone earned run for Minnesota.
Evan Gustafson hit his second homer of the season for North Dakota State.
Max Kalk (Ball State) appeared in multiple games during the March 9–15 stretch, contributing as part of the Cardinals’ lineup during a busy week of competition. He recorded 4 hits across the week, scoring a run while continuing to provide steady defensive work behind the plate. Kalk’s presence continues to add depth to the Ball State offense as the Cardinals push deeper into early MAC play.
