Head Coach: Chris Strinmoen
Where We Left Off in 2023: With a 12-9 record, it was the third-most wins in program history and the fifth straight winning record. Six of the nine losses came against state-ranked teams (three to state runner-up Lyle/Pacelli). For the fourth time in six years, the Lions (8-4) finished third in the seven-team SEC. SG went 2-2 in the playoffs.
Seniors: Jaxon Strinmoen (IF/OF/P), Elijah Solum (OF), Braedon Solie (OF/P).
Juniors: Zach Brumm (OF/IF), Ben Udstuen (SS/P), Ezra Griffin (C/P), Brandon Jahnke (1B/P)
Key Returning Underclassmen: Gabe Klug (So. 3B/C/P), Kolton Nerstad (So. 2B/P), Jacob Solum (So. OF/C)
Prognosis: Graduation claimed four key seniors, including two-time team “Pitcher of the Year,” Caleb Griffin. Seven hurlers are vying for mound duty, including three of the last year’s five most-used hurlers: Brandon Jahnke (1.83 ERA, 44 K, 30 BB), Jaxon Strinmoen (5.25 ERA, 9 K, 20 BB) and Ben Udstuen (6.85 ERA, 11 K, 16 BB). Seven of 12 letter winners return, offering experience at all but one infield position. Three of four .300-plus hitters are back. Strinmoen (.429 average, six 2B, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 20 R, 14 SB), the Lions’ MVP, All-Area and a two-time All-SEC selection led SG in batting average, base hits, stolen bases and shared the lead in runs scored. He is 11 stolen bases away from tying the program career record and ranks third all-time in base hits. Elijah Solum (.412 average, four 2B, 1 HR) returns after injury-shortened season. Jahnke, Strinmoen, and Solum were All-SEC last year. Catcher Ezra Griffin (.317 average, four 2B, two 3B, 1 HR, 17 RBI) received HM All-SEC for a second season and was All-Section and shared the Gold Glove defensive award with Zach Brumm (.170 average, nine 2B, two 3B, 9 RBI, 16 R). Others back with starting experience are outfielder Braedon Solie and infielder Ben Udstuen.