Findlay Fall Report: Maruniak and Tuttle Anchor Experienced Roster

Entering his fifth season at the helm, Head Coach Matt Palm has established a consistent standard of competitiveness for the Findlay Oilers. Coming off a 24-27 campaign in 2025 that saw the program secure its third consecutive G-MAC Tournament appearance (first in school history) the message this fall has been about taking the next step.

With a career record of 102-102, Palm has stabilized the program, highlighted by a school-record 32 wins just two seasons ago in 2023. The optimism for a return to that high-water mark is driven by retention; the Oilers return a staggering 83.4% of their total production from last year. This continuity suggests a team that won't need time to gel, but rather one ready to compete immediately in the rugged G-MAC.

The Offense

Findlay brings back 82.2% of its offensive production, providing a sturdy foundation for the 2026 lineup. The group is headlined by senior outfielder Casey Maruniak, a Second Team All-G-MAC selection who has emerged as a legitimate Conference Player of the Year candidate. Maruniak was a force in 2025, slashing .341/.473/.563 with a massive 1.036 OPS. He led the power surge with 8 home runs and drove in 36 runs while wreaking havoc on the basepaths with 37 stolen bases.

He is supported by a deep cast of returning hitters:

• Luke Senften projects as one of the conference's top bats after hitting .352 with 13 doubles and 6 home runs last spring.

• Keelan Daniel brings an elite eye to the plate; the senior outfielder posted a .319 average and an eye-popping .513 on-base percentage in 158 plate appearances.

• The infield is anchored by junior Aiden Booth at second base and junior Nick Palm at shortstop. While Palm looks to improve on a .252 average, his experience in the middle infield is vital for the team's defensive stability.

• Corner infielder Gavyn Smith returns to first base after contributing 5 home runs and 24 RBI in 2025.

  
  

Newcomers are also expected to push for immediate playing time. Freshman Keegan Snyder, a product of Unioto HS, had a strong fall and has the opportunity to start behind the plate on Opening Day. In the middle infield, freshman Drew Tucker from St. Francis de Sales brings athleticism and a track record of speed (24 stolen bases as a senior), giving the lineup another dynamic option.

The Pitching Staff

The mound is where Findlay boasts its highest continuity, returning 85.4% of its innings pitched. The staff is headlined by sophomore sensation Camdon Tuttle, who earned First Team All-G-MAC honors as a freshman and was First Team All-Region by the NCBWA. Tuttle was dominant at the back end of games, posting a 3.03 ERA and securing 9 saves while striking out 39 batters in 35.2 innings. His 26.5% strikeout rate and ability to limit hits (8.1 H/9) make him one of the conference's premier closers.

The rotation features experienced arms looking to bounce back and eat innings:

• Carson Mellott and Ethan Mohr return as the top two starters. Mohr, a 6-foot-7 right-hander, was a workhorse with 63.2 innings and 63 strikeouts, though he will look to lower a 6.22 ERA. Mellott provided 60.2 innings across 11 starts, striking out 46.

• Sebastian Stevens offers versatility as a swingman who can start or relieve; he posted a 5.46 ERA in 28 innings with a strong 24.6% strikeout rate.

• Aidan Kiessling is a potential X-factor, returning from injury to boost the rotation after pitching as a freshman in 2024.

  
  

Freshman right-hander Karson Kayden (Ross HS) emerged as the top freshman arm this fall and is expected to contribute immediately out of the bullpen.

Schedule & Outlook

The Oilers have constructed a challenging 2026 slate that tests them early and often. The season opens on Valentine's Day in Wingate, NC, with a massive test against Seton Hill. Seton Hill is coming off a 40-18 season that included an Atlantic Super Regional appearance, providing an immediate measuring stick for Findlay's postseason ambitions.

Key non-conference matchups continue in February with a series against McKendree (Feb 20-22) in Lebanon, IL, followed by a "home" series against Wayne State played in Cincinnati. (Feb 27-Mar 1). Conference play begins on the road from March 14 to 15, as Findlay takes on Malone. After the Malone series, the Oilers will take on D1 Bowling Green in a midweek contest. The schedule also features regional heavyweight Ashland, a team that went 37-19 and made a Midwest Regional appearance last year, visiting Findlay for a crucial four-game set in mid-April. To close out the regular season, the Oilers take on Northwood at home (May 1-2), the defending G-MAC Regular Season and Tournament Champions, as well as the Midwest Region Champions.

With the G-MAC Tournament returning to Mason, Ohio in May, the goal for Findlay is clear: leverage their veteran roster to not just make a fourth straight appearance, but to make a deep run toward a championship. 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