Pitching leaders include junior Craig Harris (3.42 ERA) and sophomores David Kowal (team-high three saves) and Nate Olson (3.16 ERA, team-high 45 strikeouts). While an experienced pitching staff should be a strength for the Chargers, head coach Boyd Pitkin admits that the team will have to "play small ball and manufacture runs."

Last season, the Charger pitching staff produced a 7.26 ERA. Meanwhile, the Chargers hit .292, compared to .321 by their opponents. Kowal was also one of the offensive leaders for the Chargers, producing a batting average of .357. He was second on the team with 55 hits and 36 RBI.

The Chargers, who open their 2010 season, tomorrow, in Oklahoma, are expected to do so with a starting line-up featuring only one senior, Jeremy Majeres. Majeres, who will start in centerfield, will bat second behind sophomore second baseman John Elliott. Sophomore shortstop Mitch Kurth will bat third followed by Kowal (1B). Junior Jacob Olivas will then be the designated hitter in the five hole, followed by junior third baseman Andrew Benton. Sophomore Cody Aughton will hit seventh and play right field. Freshman Travis Evgen will catch and hit eighth, while classmate Brendon Opsahl will play left field and hit ninth. During the spring trip, sophomores Rene Siller and Tracy Whitfield are also expected to see time behind the plate, while senior Zach Deming and freshman Matt Gonzales should see time in the outfield.

Junior Andrew Davidson will pitch the season-opener, while Olson will throw game two. Junior Garret Linhardt will pitch on Tuesday, while freshman Sebastian Gilmore and senior Nick Hegge are expected to throw on Wednesday. Harris, junior Kasey Neumann, Kowal and Kurth are expected to receive late inning action out of the pen.

The Chargers, who will play 11 games in eight days, will open with a 1 p.m. doubleheader, tomorrow at Oklahoma Christian. On Tuesday, the Chargers will play one nine-inning contest at Oklahoma City. Wednesday brings a doubleheader at Oklahoma Baptist. The Chargers will then play one nine-inning game against Southern Nazarene, Feb. 26, followed by a doubleheader against the same team, Feb. 27. The Chargers will then play another solo game against Oklahoma City, Feb. 28. On their way home, Briar Cliff will stop off for a March 1 doubleheader at Benedictine.

The Chargers' home-opener is scheduled for March 18 as they host the crosstown Mustangs in a non-conference nine-inning affair. Last season, the Chargers produced a 10-3 record at Bishop Mueller Field. The Chargers were picked to finish third in the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll after putting up a 13-11 league record in 2009.

March 1 @ Benedictine, 1:00 (2x7)