LONG BEACH, Calif. - The PacWest Conference announced the 2026 Baseball preseason coaches poll on Tuesday afternoon. Fresno Pacific was predicted to finish ninth in conference, following close behind Vanguard and Azusa Pacific. The preseason poll is voted on by the conference's 12 baseball coaches.
The Sunbirds received 62 points overall, just four points shy of Azusa Pacific with 66. Point Loma was predicted to finish first in the PacWest Conference. Despite being picked as the favorite with 134 points, Westmont nipped the heels of the Sea Lions with 129 points and an impressive seven first-place votes to their four. It was likely a result of Westmont sweeping the PacWest regular season title as well as the tournament trophy under their noses last season. Following behind the top two contenders was Hawaii Pacific (112), Jessup (99), Biola (96), Concordia (84), and Vanguard (80).
Head coach
Oscar Hirschkorn returns to lead the Sunbirds for his 21st season. Fresno Pacific baseball looks to build on last season's 23–28 overall record and ninth-place finish in the PacWest as the program turns the page. With fresh talent joining the roster and renewed energy throughout the clubhouse, the Sunbirds enter the season ready to embrace new opportunities and set the tone for the year ahead.
Among the 23 returning student-athletes is the third baseman
Aaron Martinez Jr. who contributed a team high .383 batting average and 42 RBIs, the second baseman
Gabe Henderson who started every game for the Sunbirds and the veteran infielder
Tejean Smith who earned a spot on the 2024 All-PacWest Second Team.
Joining these impressive returners will be the Modesto Junior College duo of
Titus Wheelock and
Dustin Tinsley, new pitchers
Cruz Cabral (Reedley JC),
Ryan Napier (Fresno City College), and
Jacob Ruiz (Ohlone JC), and head coach Hirschkorn's own son,
Holden Hirschkorn who transferred from UC Davis. Multiple freshman have the chance to make a name for themselves this year with fifteen joining the lineup. Among those freshmen is
Brennan Johnson (Buchanan HS) and
Damon McKenzie (Monterey Peninsula) who hail from Clovis accompanied by incoming catchers
Xaviar Gordon (Liberty HS) and
Jack West (Clovis North HS).
There's plenty ahead for Fresno Pacific, as each player's determination and experience on the field will help fuel the Sunbirds' fire this season. With a blend of returning leadership and hungry newcomers, FPU is ready to turn preparation into performance as the year unfolds.
Baseball's opening weekend kicks off this Friday and Saturday against Cal State Dominguez Hills. The start times for both doubleheaders will be at 11 am and 2 pm.
SUNBIRD SOCIAL:
#TeamFPU
