CSUSB Fall Report: Pitching Depth Keys 2026 Optimism

After a 2025 campaign that saw the Cal State San Bernardino Yotes finish 29-21 overall and just one game shy of a postseason berth, the focus in San Bernardino has shifted from heartbreak to opportunity. Head Coach Mike Nadeau, now in his eighth season leading the program, has steered the Yotes to a competitive standard, boasting a 162-175 career record and a memorable run to the National Championship Semifinals just two seasons ago.

The narrative for 2026 is clear: redemption. The sting of missing the CCAA Tournament by a single game last spring has fueled a productive offseason, but there is an even bigger carrot dangling in front of the squad this year. Fiscalini Field will play host to the 2026 CCAA Tournament, meaning the Yotes have the unique chance to chase a conference banner in their own backyard. "Excited about the opportunity to host the CCAA Tournament," Nadeau said. "Don't want to be on the outside looking in on our own field".

The Offense

The Yotes' offense in 2025 was nothing short of explosive, ranking 10th nationally in Division II with a .338 batting average. While key pieces have departed, the cupboard is far from bare. The lineup returns 49.3% of its plate appearances, anchored by Second Team All-CCAA outfielder Jeremy Giesegh. A consistent force at the plate, Giesegh posted a .383 average across 202 ABs, launching 10 home runs and driving in 43 RBIs.

Joining him is senior catcher Dom Dominguez, who has taken a significant step forward in his maturity and presence this fall. "Mashed baseballs in fall," noted the coaching staff regarding the veteran backstop. Dominguez was efficient in his opportunities last spring, hitting .333 with 7 home runs and 38 RBIs in just 114 at-bats.

The infield will see some reshuffling as senior Benji Solano slides from shortstop to second base, looking to build on a season where he hit .325 with 27 RBIs. Sophmore Keedan Nadeau is another name to watch; after hitting .412 in a limited 18 plate appearances, he is looking to take a major step up in production this spring.

New faces will be counted on to fill the power void left by departures. Junior transfer Alejandro McKay arrives from Southwestern College, where he slugged .500 with 21 extra-base hits, fitting the mold of a middle-of-the-order threat needed to replace the outgoing power. At shortstop, junior Eddie Alfaro, whose brother pitched for the Yotes last year, brings impressive plate discipline from Riverside City College, having drawn 50 walks against just 31 strikeouts over two seasons and is one player that the team is excited about joining the team.

The Pitching Staff

On the mound, CSUSB returns just 16.2% of its innings, but the return of a healthy Devin Hernandez feels like a major acquisition. The senior right-hander, whose fastball touches 94 mph, missed the entire 2025 season due to injury but posted a 3.93 ERA over 36.2 innings in 2024. His return gives the rotation a legitimate power arm to pair with junior Ivan Rodriguez. Rodriguez was a workhorse last season, compiling a 5-2 record with a 5.94 ERA across 69.2 innings, and he will look to elevate his game to potential ace status this spring.

The staff has been bolstered by a crop of "really good arms" that has Coach Nadeau feeling optimistic. Junior left-hander Chad Horton transfers in from Mt. San Jacinto after a stellar fall camp. Horton, a First Team All-Conference selection in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference, pitched to a 4.23 ERA over 72.1 innings last year and runs his fastball up to 89 mph.

Another key addition is Kailer Saunders, a physical right-hander transferring from Northwest Nazarene. Saunders brings postseason experience from a program that won the GNAC and reached the World Series. While his 2025 campaign was limited to 27 innings, he shined in 2024. In that season, he threw 62 innings with a 4.50 ERA and impeccable control, issuing only 9 walks. Freshman Wyatt Green, a 6'4" righty from Claremont High School, also joins the mix after being named his team's Pitcher of the Year with a dazzling 1.06 ERA.

The big key for the Yotes to get back into the postseason and succeed in the postseason: pitching. "We lacked the type of quality pitching last year needed to make a postseason run", said Nadeau. "That's why one of our big focuses was to make sure the pitching staff got better".

Key Departures

The Yotes must replace significant production, particularly from first baseman Daryl Ruiz, who was a First Team All-West Region and All-CCAA selection. Ruiz was a dominant force, hitting .402 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs in 2025. The lineup also loses Jason Shedlock, a Second Team All-West Region outfielder who hit .416, and key infielders Tyler Vanneste and Jacob Mejia. On the mound, the departure of Dylan O'Connor, an Honorable Mention All-CCAA selection who logged 70 innings, leaves a gap in the rotation.

Schedule & Outlook

The road to hosting a postseason series at Fiscalini Field begins on January 30, 2026, when the Yotes welcome Montana State Billings for a four-game set. This opening series will be a stiff test against a program that won 33 games and made a West Regional appearance last year.

CSUSB hits the road early for a challenging series against Westmont in Santa Barbara starting February 6. Westmont is coming off a powerhouse 43-14 campaign where they claimed the PacWest title and hosted the West Regional.

Conference play brings its usual gauntlet of heavyweights. A marquee home series against Cal Poly Pomona looms in early March. The Broncos, looking to bounce back from a down year, are always a fierce rival. Later in the spring, the Yotes travel to Seaside to face the defending CCAA Champion Cal State Monterey Bay Otters in mid-April. The Otters won 39 games last year and advanced to the West Super Regional, making this a critical measuring stick for CSUSB's postseason aspirations.

With the CCAA Tournament set for May 6-9 in San Bernardino, the goal for Coach Nadeau and his squad is simple: ensure they are the ones occupying the home dugout when the postseason lights turn on. If you value this in-depth, non-paywalled coverage of D2 Baseball, please consider supporting our independent reporting efforts. Your contribution helps us continue providing free access to all our articles without relying on restrictive paywalls. To support our work, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/diviibaseball