Linn-Benton baseball didn’t have to wait for the playoffs to earn some hardware following their 34-10 regular season. The NWAC announced its 2024 All-Region Awards for baseball on May 15 ahead of the Super Regional round of the tournament. Roadrunners were well-represented for the South Region.
Sophomore utility player Aidan Dougherty was named NWAC South MVP, while head coach Andy Peterson was named Coach of the Year. As for NWAC South first-team placements, LB pitchers Ethan Kleinschmit and Gabe Brabec earned honors, as did Cameron Ordway in the infield and Spencer Sullivan in the outfield.
Dougherty currently ranks first in the NWAC South with a .356 batting average.
Relief pitcher Russell Holly, infielder Kace Naone, outfielder Jordan Hockett, and catcher Ethan Buckley earned second-team nods, while catcher Evan Chadwick, first baseman Jacob Dodge, and third baseman Connor Boyd earned Gold Glove honors.
In total, 12 Beaks baseball players and one coach earned All-Region awards. Eight players are currently sophomores, with Kleinschmit, Boyd, Dodge, and Brabec earning honors as freshmen.
After winning the NWAC South in 2024, the Beaks earned a bye through the Super Regional round, next taking the field on May 23 for the NWAC Championship Tournament in Longview, Washington.
