With Opening Knight slated for Feb. 15, UCFKnights.com will preview the four position groups for the UCF baseball team entering the 2019 campaign. For more information on how you can be a part of the action, click here for ticket info.
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF baseball team will open the 2019 season against Siena on Friday to start a three-game set. With the constant turnover that comes with collegiate baseball, head coach Greg Lovelady will not have to worry much about the outfield this season, as one of UCF’s most experienced position groups.
Starters and American Athletic Conference All-Conference selections Ray Alejo and Tyler Osik are back, along with sophomore Dalton Wingo and senior Chandler Robertson.
Alejo will show off his limitless range out in center. Last year, he was one of the top speedsters in the nation in 2018, finishing fifth in the country, finishing with 34 stolen bases, including home twice. After an up and down start to the year, Alejo came on strong in the back half of the season. The Orlando native hit .320 during league with 12 RBI and a team-high eight doubles. Alejo was named to The American Preseason All-Conference squad prior to the season.
Osik earned his postseason nod in 2018 by leading The American with 56 RBI. Featuring prominently in the heart of the order, the Shoreham, N.Y., native launched nine home runs at a cool .310 clip at the plate and a .391 on-base percentage. Osik took big strides during the offseason and will split time this year between left field and first base.
Wingo started 12 games in right during the 2018 campaign, in which he drove in 10 runs and belted three homers. Robertson made 12 starts during his first season in Orlando, driving in 11 RBI with one double.
UCF added two rookies to the outfield group for 2019. Gephry Pena and Ty Crittenberger will make their marks on the base paths as some of the fastest players on the team. Crittenberger was a four-year letterman at Cardinal Gibbons. Pena earned two letters at Florida Prep Academy and stole 37 bags as a senior in 2018.
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