IRVINE, Calif. --- The 2023 season kicks off on Saturday for the Biola Boys. The squad added 10 newcomers, while also seeing a new coach at the helm in Jesse Rodgers. Ahead of the upcoming season, the PacWest released its preseason poll on Friday, placing BU fifth in the conference and naming Taylor Justus as a Preseason All-PacWest selection.

Biola is coming off a 22-27 2022 season with a 18-14 conference record. With the offseason changes, the PacWest coaches voted to put Biola in fifth in the preseason poll. The BU squad tallied 43 points, while Point Loma led the conference as the preseason favorite.

A familiar name was featured on the Preseason All-PacWest Team in Taylor Justus. The catcher completed last season with a Third-Team All-PacWest recognition and will look to raise his play heading into the new year. Justus transferred into Biola in 2022 and kicked off his career here with a .272 batting average, eight doubles, one home run and 13 runs batted in.

"We are really excited about the 2023 season and have our sights set high," commented head coach Jesse Rodgers. "We believe that this group is capable of playing good baseball and making some noise in the West Region."

The BU squad brought in a wealth of talent, including four transfers and six true freshmen. The group will make an impact across the diamond with an influx of strong pitching, fielding and hitting.

2023 Incoming Class:

Lucas Bixby
Coach Rodgers: "Lucas is a huge pick up for us. He is a great competitor and pounds the strike zone with a four-pitch mix. He was 10-0 at Vanguard last year and we expect him to pick up right where he left off for us."

Nick Giesinger
Coach Rodgers: "Nick is a left-handed pitcher that can give us key innings out of the bullpen. His fastball/breaking ball mix is impressive and will certainly get outs for us in big moments."

Noah Ruiz
Coach Rodgers: "Noah plays with a ton of energy and brings some pop with the bat. He will impact the game in a lot of ways with his versatility on defense and his ability to drive the baseball."

Austin Carillo
Coach Rodgers: "Austin is a big pick up for us. He tore up the CCL last summer after putting together a strong season at Cal Lutheran. He has the ability to drive the ball all over the field and plays with a ton of energy. As a left-handed hitter he provides some balance in our line-up."  

Kyle Osterhage
Coach Rodgers: "We are really excited about Kyle's ability on the mound and his fit in our program. Unfortunately, he is dealing with an injury that will likely keep him out for this season."

Gabe Magallan
Coach Rodgers: "Gabe is set to make a big impact on the mound for us. He pounds the strike zone with a strong three-pitch mix and has shown a ton of competitiveness."

Blake Wentz
Coach Rodgers: "Blake is a strong two-way player. He has some pop in the bat but his biggest impact will be on the mound. He has a great work ethic to go along with a strong frame and the ability to attack hitters with good stuff."

Chris McClean
Coach Rodgers: "Chris will make an immediate impact on the mound. He is ultra-competitive and has the stuff to get outs in key innings."

James Whitman
Coach Rodgers: "James is highly talented and will impact games on the offensive side. He has an advanced feel at the plate with the ability to hit the ball out of the yard and also hit line drives all over the field."

Nico Hagadorn
Coach Rodgers: "Nico is a left-handed pitcher that gives us another good option in the bullpen. He comes from a great high school program, knows how to win, and has a strong work ethic."