AUGUSTA, GA. - The 2025 baseball season is set to begin this weekend as the Jaguars hit the diamond against St. Leo University in Florida. The Jaguars are coming off a 24-27 record a year ago and coach Chris Howell is looking to make big improvements on that mark. 

One key aspect for that to happen is Howell said the team needs to play more as a team. 

"We have to play together. We can't wait for someone else to do it," said Howell. "That's been our focus, to come together as a group, play as a group, win as a group and lose as a group."

Howell likes how the team has gotten after things in practice up to this point and is confident that will carry over when the games start to count.

The Peach Belt Conference continues to be one of the best in the country and the Jaguars found themselves not only in the conference tournament the last two years, but winning a game as well. That built confidence in the returning players and Howell indicated it also helped in the recruitment department as well. 

On the mound Howell said there's plenty of competition for the various roles and expects guys like Garrett Wright, Blythe Keisler and senior Josh Green to step up and pitch meaningful innings for this year's team. But they certainly aren't alone as he pointed out others to step up and deliver when called upon to pitch.

"We have seven transfer guys that will come in and have a big impact. We're excited about the depth of our arms and the guys are working hard," Howell said.

At the plate, Parker Ingram started 49 games a year ago and hit .294 with 13 home runs while driving in 44 runs. Ingram started at third base last year, Howell said he'll move across the diamond and be at first base this season. 

Jake Vachon, Zach Kwiatkowski and Mike Morrison are just three others Howell said will be key pieces to the Jaguars. Howell also pointed out some younger players have been "working their tail off," to find their way into the lineup when the season get going. 

Augusta also has several transfers that are expected to do big things and part of that is by the experience they bring to the field. Howell hopes that pays off in a big way.

"There's a pace of play in college baseball and these guys are a little more mature, which is huge," added Howell. 

Other freshmen and sophomores have come in and have brought with it energy that he's excited to see play out in games.

"You can't deny the youth of these freshmen that come in. They don't know any different and they have a little spark about them," Howell added. "They come in, they make big moves. The freshmen that came in last year are now sophomores and had a big part in our season last year. They have a year under their belt and you kind of turn them loose." 

After the opening season in Florida, Augusta will open the home portion of their schedule on Tuesday, February 4 when Erskine College comes to town. 

Complete schedule

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