TURLOCK, Calif.--- The Stan State Warriors baseball team opens its 2026 regular-season home schedule this weekend at Warrior Field, welcoming Central Washington for a four-game series that begins with a Saturday doubleheader at noon featuring two nine-inning games, followed by a Sunday doubleheader starting at 10 a.m. with one nine-inning contest and one seven-inning game.
Series Schedule
- Saturday, Jan. 31 — Doubleheader (9 innings each), 12 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 1 — Doubleheader (9 innings / 7 innings), 10 a.m.
About the Warriors
Stan State opens the 2026 season with a veteran roster built on experience and momentum after posting a 21–27 overall record in 2025, highlighted by series victories over Saint Martin's, Minnesota Crookston, and Cal State East Bay, along with series splits against Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State Los Angeles, Sonoma State, and Chico State. The Warriors also earned 13 home wins at Warrior Field, showing their ability to compete consistently on their home turf. Offensively, Stan State brings back proven contributors in
Arthur Navarette Jr. and
Jacob Reyes, who provide experience, versatility, and consistency in the lineup. On the mound, the Warriors feature an experienced pitching staff led by
Cameron Rosen and supported by seasoned arms including
Rocco Gurrola,
Austin Balentine, and
Zach Geiss, giving Stan State depth and stability throughout the staff. With 21 seniors on the roster and a group of experienced transfers, the Warriors enter the new season with confidence, balance, and leadership under head coach
Kenny Leonesio.
Roster Breakdown
Stan State's 2026 roster is anchored by a veteran senior class of 21 players, providing experience and leadership throughout the lineup and pitching staff. The senior group includes
Shane Callison,
Jacob Reyes,
Cameron Rosen,
Tyler Crudo,
Korey Likens,
AJ Carter,
Eli Hancock,
Rocco Gurrola,
Austin Balentine,
Eric Perez,
Bradley Morris,
Herman Luna,
Zach Geiss,
Arthur Navarette Jr.,
Evan Fanconi,
Jared Sawyer,
Adam Davies,
Chase Wilson,
Chris Ortiz,
Austin Sargent, and
Cole Pacheco. The Warriors also feature a solid junior class that includes
Kian Sanchez,
Eli Blurton,
Mason Kelley,
Jacob Haros,
Cameron Taylor,
AJ Victoravich,
Pierce Sailer,
Payton Hawkinson, and
Zach Lewis, adding depth and versatility across multiple positions. Sophomore infielder Kadon Quinto rounds out the roster as Stan State enters the season with an experienced, upperclass-heavy group.
Scouting Central Washington
Central Washington enters the 2026 season after being picked fourth in the GNAC Preseason Coaches' Poll and looks to build on last year's conference tournament appearance under head coach Desi Storey, now in his 35th season. The Wildcats return a solid core led by outfielder Logan Blank and infielder Andre Garza, along with catcher Braden Zadow and outfielder Max Bledy, while a group of experienced arms including Kellen Berg, Drake Anderson, Garet Hagy, Kaden Haffner, and Logan Thompson provides depth on the mound. A sizable incoming class adds youth and competition across the roster as CWU opens the year focused on consistency and development.
Record Book Watch
Senior right-hander
Austin Balentine enters the season as one of the most accomplished pitchers in Stan State history, owning a 15–8 career record with a 4.99 ERA while ranking 10th in the Warrior record book with 140 career strikeouts. Over 171.1 career innings, Balentine has issued 73 walks and faced more than 800 batters, establishing himself as a durable and experienced presence on the mound.
Listen and Watch
Both days will be streamed live on FloCollege. All Stan State home games can also be heard on BlueChip Broadcasting, with Bryan Nelson on the call.
Up Next
Following the season-opening series against Central Washington, the Warriors will hit the road for a three-game nonconference series at Vanguard University, beginning Friday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Stan State returns home the following weekend to host Simpson University in a four-game series at Warrior Field, beginning Friday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader on Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and concluding Sunday, Feb. 15 at 12 p.m.
The 2026 postseason begins with the CCAA Championships, scheduled for May 6–9 at Fiscalini Field in San Bernardino, Calif. The Warriors will recognize their seniors on Senior Day during the final regular-season home game on Sunday, April 26, against Cal State Dominguez Hills.
