Salem Fall Report: Independent Tigers Eyeing the Next Level
- Robert Frey
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The 2025 season culminated in hardware for Salem University, as the Tigers captured the USCAA Small College World Series Championship. While raising a banner is the ultimate conclusion to any campaign, Head Coach Kassidy Gaines, entering his third year with a 58-43 career mark, knows that the program’s ambitions extend beyond the small college circuit. Coming off a 26-25 season where they played .500 ball before their postseason run, the Tigers are looking to leverage their Independent status to build a resume worthy of broader regional consideration. The objective in Nutter Fort is clear: construct a roster and a schedule capable of competing with the heavyweights of the Atlantic Region.
The Offense
The Tigers return 45.6% of their offensive production, leaving ample opportunity for returners to step into elevated roles. The lineup will likely revolve around senior outfielder Reese Rinna, a Macomb CC transfer who brings significant thump to the middle of the order. In 134 at-bats last spring, Rinna slashed .291/.402/.560 with 10 doubles and 8 home runs, driving in 40 runs while finishing first among his peers in home run output. He is joined by senior first baseman Aaron Forbes, a Morgantown native who provides a steady presence at the corners. Forbes posted a .289 average across 128 at-bats, showing legitimate gap power with 14 doubles, 3 home runs, and a strong .531 slugging percentage.
Setting the table will be crucial for the Tigers, and they have a reliable catalyst in Aidan McMurdo. An Honorable Mention USCAA All-American, McMurdo displayed elite bat-to-ball skills, hitting .357 in 112 at-bats with a stellar .486 on-base percentage. To reinforce the lineup's depth, the coaching staff brought in junior outfielder Chase Clemons from Marshalltown CC. Clemons arrives with a pedigree of production, having logged 272 at-bats with a .272 average, 7 home runs, and 42 RBI at the junior college level, offering immediate reinforcement to the daily lineup card.
The Pitching Staff
While the lineup undergoes some renovation, the pitching staff returns a stabilizing 75.7% of its innings from 2025. The rotation is headlined by senior right-hander Connor Thiele, who earned USCAA First Team All-American honors after a breakout campaign. Thiele was a workhorse, posting a 6-1 record with a 2.70 ERA over 56.2 innings, demonstrating command with just 22 walks against 43 strikeouts.
The staff depth is bolstered by Eric Kovach and Jackson Thoma, both of whom logged significant frames last season. Kovach recorded a 4-3 record with a 5.09 ERA in 46 innings, while Thoma added 50.1 innings to the staff's workload. The most intriguing arm in camp, however, is graduate transfer Andrew George. Arriving from Hillsdale College, George changes the complexion of the staff with a fastball that ticks up to 94.7 mph. With a career 5.18 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 41.2 innings at his previous stop, he offers the high-velocity weapon necessary to stifle the potent offenses on the upcoming schedule.
Key Departures
The transition to 2026 requires filling the void left by two program cornerstones. The offense loses its spark plug in Jose Lojo, a USCAA First Team All-American who hit .384 and swiped 27 bags, constantly pressuring opposing defenses. On the mound, the Tigers bid farewell to USCAA Player of the Year in LHP Sam Schmitt. Schmitt was the definition of an ace, compiling a 5-4 record with a dominant 2.13 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 71.2 innings, leaving massive shoes to fill at the front of the rotation.
Schedule & Outlook
Coach Gaines has assembled a 2026 slate designed to test the Tigers' mettle against legitimate regional contenders. The season opens with a trial by fire in Pembroke, N.C., for a three-game set against UNC Pembroke starting February 6. The non-conference gauntlet continues with matchups against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) stalwarts, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania and California University of Pennsylvania in late February, followed by a trip to Frostburg State in late April and a four game slate against defending MEC Champion Point Park to end the season. These contests are more than just games; they are measuring sticks. If Salem intends to be viewed as more than just a small-college success story, performing well against these regional powers is the prerequisite for the next step in the program's evolution. 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