SAU Baseball Signs Seven

Contact: Houston Taylor

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Southern Arkansas Coach Allen Gum has announced the signing of seven athletes to the Mulerider baseball program.

“This is by far the best signing class we’ve ever had here in the fall. We’re excited about all seven guys that we’ve signed and the intangibles that they bring to the field,” said Gum. “We firmly believe that every one of these athletes is exactly what we are looking for and each one will have the chance to be an immediate impact in our lineup,” added the coach.

Signing with SAU is Brandt Barnes, a 5-11, 160-pound outfielder from Bentonville, via Fort Scott (Kan.) College.

“Brandt is a very athletic player who will come in here and be one of the fastest guys in the conference. He already does the little things that will help him be an impact player for us next year,” said Gum.

Four of the signees hail from Hill College in Hillsboro, Texas, and include Cole Lohden, Kris Marshall, Nick Paschal, and J.D. Price.

Lohden is a 6-5, 215-pound right-handed pitcher out of Waxahachie, Texas. Lohden possesses a fastball that consistently ranges in the upper 80’s to low 90’s.

“Cole is a tall, hard-throwing pitcher who will be an impact player on the mound for us,” stated Gum.

Marshall is a 5-9, 165-pound left-handed pitcher from Rockport, Texas.

“We’re excited about signing Kris and looking forward to seeing him in a Mulerider uniform,” the coach said.

A 5-8, 155-pound shortstop out of Scott, La., Paschal is a true shortstop that finds ways to manufacture runs on offense.

“He’s a complete shortstop that possesses a knack for making the big play on defense,” said Gum.

Price is a 6-0, 190-pound right-handed pitcher from Mt. Calm, Texas, who throws in the range of 89-94 and complements his fastball with off-speed pitches.

Though limited in action the past two years at Hill with injuries, Gum raved about the hard-throwing right-hander, “J.D. is an outstanding pitcher who enjoyed a decorated high school career. Even with the injuries, because of his ability and perseverance we believe he’s going to do great things at SAU.”

Mike Webb and Andrew Whittington both come to Southern Arkansas from Galveston (Texas) College. Webb is a 6-0, 190-pound outfielder out of Natchitoches, La., while Whittington, out of Texas City, Texas, is a 6-0, 180-pound shortstop/centerfielder.

“Mike is a big, strong player who runs well for his size and will add power and speed to our lineup,” stated Gum. About Whittington, he went on to add, “Andrew is one of those versatile players who can play anywhere on the field. He’ll compete for the starting shortstop position and his ability and left-handed bat give him a chance to be an outstanding player for us.”