Listen Here
By Mara Waire
wairem@findlay.edu
Oilers Baseball enters the 2026 season determined to claim the G-MAC title, aiming to finish in the conference’s top five for the fourth year straight.
“Winning Findlay’s first G-MAC title and going to the first regional in school history would be a successful season for me,” said senior Gavyn Smith.
With most starters returning, including experienced seniors, Head Coach Matt Palm approaches 2026 with confidence.
”Every year you’re with a program, you operate better, and guys understand the system,” said Palm. “Now, with several guys who have been in the program for four years, it should give us an opportunity to be even more successful.”
The team’s experienced leadership has also helped shape its mindset heading into the season.
“I would describe our team as hungry. We have several upperclassmen who have stuck together with unaccomplished goals,” said senior Carson Mellott.
This season, the pitching staff stands out as one of the Oilers’ primary strengths. Anchoring the rotation, seniors Mellott and Ethan Mohr return as the main starting pitchers. In the bullpen, senior Colin Becker provides crucial relief, while sophomore Camden Tuttle adds extra support.
The Oilers will return a significant amount across the field. Outfielders Casey Maruniack and Keelan Daniel are four-year starters, while sophomore Mason Myers steps in as a second-year starter. The entire infield returns, including seniors Mike Sciortino and Smith and juniors Nick Palm and Aiden Booth.
Several freshmen are expected to add additional depth to the team, including as infielders, outfielders, and pitchers. Although the catching position faces some inexperience, the coaching staff remains confident in the freshmen and other players who will fill that role.
Findlay aims to boost offensive consistency after last year’s struggles while maintaining strong defense.
The Oilers’ opening series of the season will be held in Wingate, North Carolina, where they are scheduled to face Seton Hill—currently ranked 20th nationally—setting the tone and expectations for the upcoming season.
“The opening series will be a great place to start and a great challenge,” said Palm. “We’ll learn a lot about our team and where we stand.”
Within conference play, the Oilers look forward to competing against the top teams in the league, Northwood and Ashland. Maruniak is looking forward to the rivalry matchups.
“Ashland is always a rival of ours, and they are at our place this year,” said Maruniak.
With a returning team and high expectations, the Oilers are ready to work toward a spot at the top of the league and an NCAA tournament bid.
