Season of Speed, Power & Promise: Cleveland Baseball Wraps a Standout Year

May 20, 2025

The Cleveland Yetis turned heads this season with a fearless blend of power hitting, aggressive base running, and team-wide hustle that made them one of the most exciting squads to watch. With 446 runs scored over 54 games—an average of 8.26 runs per game—they didn't just play the game; they lit it up. That total set a new school record, and it was only the beginning of a historic season.

Offensive Juggernaut: A Lineup That Delivered

From the first pitch to the final out, the Yetis' offense was a relentless machine. They posted a .311 team batting average—a school record—fueled by a staggering 507 hits and 114 doubles, both also new records. Their power was on full display with 43 home runs and 780 total bases, blending speed and slugging for a team OPS of .916.

Nick Morris anchored the lineup with a .400 batting average, placing him in the top 10 in the conference, while Trenton Doss and Cruise Arnold drove in 49 and 48 RBIs respectively, both ranking in the top 15 in the conference. Doss also launched 12 home runs, good for 6th in the conference.

Highlight: In a midseason showdown, the Yetis exploded for 14 runs on 16 hits—including three home runs—in a commanding win that encapsulated their offensive dominance.

RBI Machines and Clutch Performances

With 359 RBIs, the Yetis delivered consistently in high-pressure moments. They drove in 102 runs with two outs and posted a clutch .310 average in those scenarios. Leadoff hitters batted .424, igniting early rallies.

Trenton Doss led the way, setting a new single-season school record with 49 RBIs.

Highlight: In a dramatic comeback win, Cleveland pieced together three consecutive 2-out hits to tie the game, followed by a go-ahead RBI double—just one example of their 17 hits that day with runners in scoring position.

Running Wild: Speed That Changed Games

The Yetis wreaked havoc on the basepaths with 197 stolen bases, breaking the previous school record with an 89.5% success rate. They turned walks and singles into immediate threats with their speed and execution.

Riley Stiles and Logan Norris led the charge with 30 and 29 stolen bases, ranking 4th and 6th in the conference, respectively.

Highlight: During a crucial late-season series, Cleveland swiped 11 bases across two games, keeping opposing pitchers on edge and creating chaos at will.

Pitching: Grit Over Glamour

While the team ERA stood at 4.61, the Yetis' pitching staff had bright spots throughout the season. Their 1.52 WHIP marked a school record, and they totaled 365 strikeouts over the season.

Jackson Gowan emerged as the ace, leading the conference with 10 wins and finishing top 5 in strikeouts with 68—a dominant combination that helped anchor the rotation.

Liam Foley added late-inning reliability, tying the school record with 5 saves.

Highlight: In the team's lone shutout, Cleveland pitchers scattered six hits across seven innings and racked up eight strikeouts in a statement performance.

Defense: Glimpses of Brilliance Amidst Challenges

With a .940 fielding percentage, the Yetis showed moments of defensive excellence, including 37 double plays and multiple outfield assists. But 94 team errors highlighted the need for improvement in tight game situations.

Highlight: A bases-loaded jam was defused by a clean 6–4–3 double play—one of the season's defining defensive moments.

Record-Breaking Contributions: Individual Highlights

It wasn't just the team rewriting the record books—individual players made history too:

Owen Liberto played in 53 games, a new school record.
Trenton Doss set a school RBI record with 49.
Logan Norris hit 4 triples, the most in a season by any Yetis player.
Liam Foley tied the school saves record with 5.

The Numbers Behind the Noise

Walk Rate: 13.5% (277 total walks)
Strikeout Rate: 17.7%
On-Base Percentage: .437
Runs Batted In per Game: 6.65
Stolen Bases per Game: 3.65
Extra-Base Hits per Game: 3.18

The Yetis' lineup showcased not just talent, but adaptability—adjusting to any game scenario and delivering in every offensive category imaginable.

Looking Ahead: A Team on the Rise

Cleveland finished the year 32–14 with a massive +187 run differential, and their 39 total wins marked a new school record. But the accomplishments go even deeper.

"This season will be remembered as a turning point — a year where hard work, heart, and hustle came together to make history. It's the best we've ever been, but we're not done. The standard has been set, and now the mission is clear: come back stronger, stay hungry, and raise the bar again."
— Andy Gardner, Athletic Director

And that bar has been raised—15 players are moving on to the next level, including 8 heading to Division I programs, a testament to the growing strength of the program.

"I'm so proud of this group. They set school records for almost every single offensive category and also set a new record for wins in a single season. This program is growing day by day and has became a very special place to play at! We appreciate everybody's support!"
— John Grigg, Head Coach

Final Word

This season wasn't just successful—it was transformational. A record-breaking campaign in nearly every category, with standout conference performances, emerging talent, and a surging culture of excellence.

If 2025 was a breakthrough, 2026 could be the takeover.