TURLOCK, Calif. --- Former Stan State pitcher Austin Balentine has signed a professional contract with the Oakland Ballers of the Pioneer Baseball League.

Balentine concluded a standout five-year career at Stan State as one of the program's most accomplished pitchers. He finished with a 23-12 career record, a 4.85 ERA, and 187 strikeouts in 239.1 innings over 64 appearances, including 30 starts.

In 2026, Balentine anchored the Warriors' pitching staff, making 13 appearances and 13 starts while compiling an 8-4 record over 68.0 innings. He allowed 72 hits, 41 runs (34 earned), walked 20, and struck out 47 batters. Balentine finished tied for fifth all-time with Louie Souza with 23 career wins, ranked eighth in program history with 187 career strikeouts, ninth with 239.1 innings pitched, tied for ninth in single-season starts with 13, and tied for second in single-season wins with eight—a mark that includes current Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan.

Balentine earned All-CCAA honors twice during his career, receiving Second Team recognition in 2024 and Honorable Mention accolades in 2026. He was also named to the CCAA All-Academic Team in 2025 and earned CCAA/FloCollege Pitcher of the Week honors three times, once in 2024 following his victory at Cal State LA and twice during the 2026 season (Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 16-22).

The right-hander joined the Ballers in July and made his professional debut on July 9, pitching the ninth inning in Oakland's 19-5 victory over the Modesto Roadsters. Through his first three professional appearances, Balentine has pitched 4.0 innings, allowed three hits while issuing three walks and one hit batter.