Fresno Pacific Fall Report: New Nest, New Power for the Sunbirds

As the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds prepare for their final campaign in the PacWest Conference before transitioning to the CCAA, the atmosphere at Dan Martin Stadium is one of rejuvenation and anticipation. Coming off a 2025 season that saw the team finish with a 23-28 overall record, the program has turned a corner, bolstered by the completion of major facility upgrades. Head Coach Oscar Hirschkorn, now entering his 21st season with a career record of 505-449 (.529) , noted that the ability to fully utilize the new stadium, complete with covered seating, new locker rooms, and advanced Trackman technology, allowed for "the best fall we've had in years". With a clear focus on player development and a roster balancing returning grit with incoming talent, the Sunbirds are poised to challenge the conference hierarchy one last time.

The coaching staff is particularly encouraged by the improvements on the mound and at the plate, areas that have benefited directly from the new AWRE camera systems and data analytics. While the 2025 squad finished 9th in the PacWest, they were elite defensively, boasting a fielding percentage of .973 that ranked first in the conference and in the Top 25 nationally. Carrying that defensive identity forward while injecting more power into the lineup has been the primary objective this offseason.

The Offense

The Sunbirds return 43.3% of their offensive production from a year ago, anchored by Third Baseman Aaron Martinez. A stabilizing force at the hot corner, Aaron Martinez is coming off a stellar junior campaign where he tallied 149 ABs and hit .383 with 11 doubles, two home runs, and 42 RBI. His ability to put the ball in play was elite, ranking 7th in the conference in batting average. The coaching staff notes that his power has ticked up significantly this fall, suggesting he could be even more dangerous in the heart of the order.

Joining him in the infield is Shortstop Gabe Henderson, who has shown improvement in all facets of his game. In 2025, Gabe Henderson logged 161 ABs, hitting .298 with six doubles and 25 RBI. Reports from the fall indicate he is driving the ball with more authority and remains a high-caliber defender. The middle infield receives a massive boost with the return of Second Baseman TJ Smith, who was granted an appeal for a final season after a season-ending injury last year. A former two-time all-conference player at HPU, Tejean "TJ "Smith is described as a "coach on the field" whose leadership was sorely missed.

In the outfield, three-year starter Chris Clement looks to build on a season where he registered 128 ABs and hit .297 with seven doubles and 15 RBI. Like his peers, Chris Clement has started to drive the ball more consistently, and if his fall power surge carries over, he could be in for a breakout senior year.

The lineup will be bolstered by impactful newcomers, led by Junior First Baseman Titus Wheelock. A transfer from Modesto JC, Titus Wheelock provides immediate pop, having hit seven home runs this fall with exit velocities routinely clocking in at 110 mph. Behind the dish, Junior Catcher Alex Lopez transfers in from the College of Sequoias, where he hit .307 over two seasons. A left-handed hitter with a stellar arm, Alex Lopez is expected to be a significant upgrade for the offense at the catching position. The youth movement also looks promising with Freshman Catcher Jack West, a Top 500 prospect in California who "can hit," and Freshman Outfielder Vincent Robinson, a skilled leadoff type.

The Pitching Staff

On the mound, Fresno Pacific returns 32.1% of its innings pitched, with a renewed focus on health and velocity. The bullpen will be anchored by right-hander Dylan Senneway, who served as the closer last year before battling arm issues. In his limited 2025 action, Dylan Senneway posted a 2-2 record with a 3.60 ERA in 15.0 IP, notching two saves. Now healthy, he gives the staff a trustworthy arm for high-leverage situations.

Another key returner is Jake Turley, a 6'5" right-hander who gained valuable experience as a freshman. Jake Turley recorded a 3-2 record with a 4.15 ERA across 26.0 IP last spring. With improved velocity and extension, his stuff is "playing up" compared to last season. The rotation could see a major boost from Derek McNary, a physically imposing 6'4", 240-pound right-hander who has missed two years due to injury. If he remains healthy, his heavy fastball and sharp curveball give the Sunbirds a potential ace.

The staff depth has been reinforced by transfers like Cruz Cabral from Reedley JC. A 6'5" righty with a high release point, Cruz Cabral sits 89-92 mph and is expected to share closing duties. Junior transfer Dustin Tinsley also impressed this fall, bringing a five-pitch mix and a track record of success at Modesto JC, where he logged 124.1 innings. Among the freshmen, Drew Petty stands out as a Top 300 recruit in California who worked in the 87-90 mph range this fall.

Key Departures

The roster turnover includes the loss of some decorated veterans. The offense will miss Outfielder Trent Mallonee, a Third Team All-PacWest selection who hit .340 with five home runs and 10 doubles in 2025. On the mound, the team waves goodbye to Connor Semone, also a Third Team All-PacWest honoree, who was a workhorse with a 3-5 record and a 4.05 ERA in 86.2 IP. The staff also graduated Josiah O'Bannon, who contributed 58.1 innings as a starter.

Schedule & Outlook

The 2026 schedule presents a challenging path as the Sunbirds look to exit the PacWest on a high note. The season opens on January 30 with a road series against Cal State Dominguez Hills, a formidable opponent that secured a CCAA Tournament appearance last season with a 29-22 record. The home opener at the newly renovated stadium takes place on February 5, kicking off a four-game set against Western Oregon.

Conference play and regional matchups will test the squad early and often. In late February, the Sunbirds host the reigning CCAA Champions, Cal State Monterey Bay, a powerhouse program that won 39 games and reached the West Super Regional in 2025. March brings a gauntlet of PacWest heavyweights, starting with a road series against Westmont, the defending PacWest Champions who hosted the West Regional last year. This is followed immediately by a home series against Point Loma, another West Regional participant that won 39 games a year ago.

The schedule also features the annual Hawaii road trip in late March and early April, where the Sunbirds will face Chaminade and Hawaii Pacific. With improved depth in the bullpen and a lineup showing increased power potential, Oscar Hirschkorn and the Sunbirds are eager to navigate this rigorous slate and compete for a postseason spot in their conference swan song. 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