"We Know Who We Are": A Season Built on Experience
The Pitt-Greensburg baseball team enters the 2026 season with one of the most experienced lineups in the AMCC and expectations to match. The Bobcats finished 16–19 last spring, including a 10–4 record in conference play to place third. With a deep senior class and nearly every key contributor back, UPG is poised to contend again.
Head Coach Scott Adams, entering his 10th season, believes this group's maturity will define its success.
"This group has been through everything—good years, tough years, long road trips, big wins," Adams said. "They've grown together. They know how to handle adversity, and they know what it takes to compete for a championship.
Star Power Returns: Domer and Smith Lead Loaded Lineup
The Bobcats lose only one starter from last season: catcher Diego Santos. Every other position player returns, giving UPG one of the most experienced lineups in the AMCC.
Outfielder James Domer, the reigning AMCC Player of the Year and National All-American, is back after hitting .496 with 8 home runs and 36 RBI. He begins 2026 as both the AMCC Preseason Player of the Year and a Preseason All-American.
Third baseman Tommy Smith, an All-Conference and All-Region standout, returns after hitting .432 with 7 home runs and 45 RBI. All‑Conference second baseman Hunter Gideons also returns after hitting .326.
The rest of the returning starting lineup includes shortstop Ben Aftanas, designated hitter Colin Solinski, outfielders Neo Miller and Zach Tyson, and first baseman Nicolas Laubach.
"We don't need one player to carry us," Adams said. "This is a balanced roster. If everyone does their part, we'll be tough to beat."
Pitching Depth: Nearly the Whole Staff Back
Pitt-Greensburg returns almost all of its pitching from last season, headlined by All-Conference and All‑Region ace Conner Burkey. Burkey led the Bobcats with a 2.86 ERA and an 8–1 record, and he enters 2026 as the AMCC Preseason Pitcher of the Year.
Seniors Tyler Litts (4.79 ERA), Calvin Bernard (8.58 ERA), and Matt Mazzara (7.79 ERA) return as key contributors on a staff that looks to build on a year of growth and experience.
"Returning this much pitching is huge," Adams said. "Our staff gained a lot of experience last year. They've taken big steps, and we expect them to be a real strength for us."
Newcomers: A Big Class with Big Opportunities
The Bobcats welcome 16 newcomers—10 freshmen and 6 transfers—adding depth throughout the roster. With Santos graduated, catcher becomes the most open position battle, but Adams emphasized that every spot is up for grabs.
"Every spot is up for competition," Adams said. "The young guys will push the returners, and the returners will push them right back. That's how good teams operate."
Picked 2nd in AMCC: Expectations High, Mindset Unchanged
Pitt‑Greensburg was selected to finish second in the AMCC preseason poll, just behind Penn State Behrend. Adams said the ranking doesn't change the team's approach or expectations.
"We don't get caught up in preseason polls," he said. "Our goal every year is the same—to win the AMCC championship. That's the mindset from day one."
Keys to Success: Compete, Develop, Win
Adams highlighted three key areas that will define the Bobcats this season:
Winning as a priority.
Season‑long team development.
Balanced contributions from top to bottom.
"Winning is the priority," Adams said. "Everything we do is built around competing at a high level. Nobody needs to be the guy. We win as a team, and we grow as a team."
A Balanced, Battle‑Ready Schedule
Pitt-Greensburg opens the season February 25 on the road at Westminster. The Bobcats then travel to Florida for the RussMatt Invitational from March 6–11. The home opener is set for March 17 against Saint Vincent, and AMCC play opens at home on March 21 when UPG hosts Pitt‑Bradford.
"We worked hard to balance the schedule," Adams said. "We want to be tested early so we're ready when conference play arrives."
The Road Ahead
With a senior‑heavy roster, elite returning talent, and a coaching staff entering its most experienced era under Scott Adams, the ingredients are in place for Pitt‑Greensburg to make a run at the AMCC crown.
"This is a close‑knit group," Adams said. "They've put in the work. Now it's time to compete for something special."
