The Lock Haven University baseball team is set to begin the 2014 season on Thursday (Feb. 18) vs. Kutztown at the Builder Invitational.
 
The Builder Invitational, hosted by the Apprentice School has become an annual tradition for LHU head coach Smokey Stover and his Bald Eagles. All games will be played at War Memorial Stadium in Hampton Virginia.
 
Lock Haven's 2014 Builder Invitational Schedule
Full Tournament Schedule | Live Stats

• Thursday, Feb. 20 vs. Kutztown 6 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 21 vs. Briarcliffe (3 p.m.) & Bloomsburg (6 p.m.)
• Saturday, Feb. 22 vs. The Apprentice School 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 23 vs. TBA

Last season:
LHU went 16-28 last year and the Bald Eagles were 9-15 in PSAC West play.
 
New to place to call home:
For the first time in history, Lock Haven will play as part of the PSAC Eastern Division. The longtime members of the PSAC West are making the move because of the July addition of both Pitt-Johnstown and Seton Hill, who are now playing baseball in the PSAC West.
 
Two All-Region players lead the way:
Leading the way for the Bald Eagles in 2014 will be Preseason All-Region selections Austin Botts and Scott Zuback.
 
Zuback, a senior-outfielder, was a PSAC West First Team selection last season after hitting .303 with 11 doubles and 23 RBIs. He was also a perfect 13-for-13 on stolen base attempts. Zuback started all 44 games last season and didn't commit a single error in the field.
 
Botts, a junior-catcher, was an All-PSAC West Second Team selection last season after hitting .328 with six home runs and 22 RBIs. Botts recorded only two errors all season in 44 starts.
 
The PSAC East poll:
The Bald Eagles were picked eighth in PSAC East Preseason Coaches' Poll, but will look to surprise some people with the combination of veteran leadership and youthful talent.
 
1. Shippensburg (3)
2. Millersville (3)
3. East Stroudsburg (1)
4. West Chester
5. Kutztown
6. Bloomsburg
7. Mansfield (1)
8. Lock Haven
 
*First-place votes in parentheses
Seton Hill tabbed as favorite in the West
 
Last season vs. the East:
The Bald Eagles were 2-5 vs. Eastern Division teams last year.
 
Kyne returns:
Senior Anthony Kyne (3B) made 44 starts last year and hit .297 with 38 hits, 18 runs scored and 15 RBIs. He will be a solid defensive presence at the hot corner.
 
Strong rotation:
Returners – Madison Neddo, Joe Nestor and Parker Watson will look to lead a talented pitching rotation. Newcomers Jacob Belinda and Chad Speigle should make an immediate impact on the mound for LHU.
 
Neddo picked up four wins last year and recorded a 4.40 ERA. He had 35 strikeouts. Nestor, a tall-lefty led Lock Haven with 44 strikeouts, while Watson won three games as a freshman.
 
Breaking down the roster:
Lock Haven's 28-man roster features 15 new faces, all of whom are looking to make an immediate impact in the lineup.
 
Up next:
Following Sunday's action at the Builder Invitational, Lock Haven returns to action on Sunday, March 2 at Pitt-Johnstown (1/3 p.m.).
 
Quick look at the schedule:
Following a weekend trip to Davis & Elkins on March 8-9, Lock Haven heads to the Clearwater Invitational for six games over Spring Break (March 15-19).
 
PSAC East play:
Lock Haven officially opens PSAC East play on Saturday, March 22 at Bloomsburg (1/3 p.m.)
 
Home opener:
The Bald Eagles home-opener is set for Sunday, March 23 vs. Bloomsburg (1/3 p.m.)