Missouri Western head baseball coach Buzz Verduzco announces the signing of four more student-athletes for the 2014 season. Junior college transfers Cody Childs (Mt. Hood CC) from Troutdale, Ore., Reid Martinez (Yakima Valley CC) from Seattle, Wash., Matthew Estes (Longview CC) from Odessa, Mo. and Joshua Lansangan (Hutchinson CC) from Kansas City, Mo. join Charles Koehler, III, Michael Yeager, Hunter Weiss, Matthew Russell, Grant Woods, Derek Rottinghaus, Tyler Sanders, Jonathan Temenak and Tyler Tuepker on next years squad.
Childs is a 5-11 infielder who comes to Missouri Western from Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Ore. He played his high school baseball at Reynolds HS in Troutdale, Ore. While at Mt. Hood CC he was a Gold Glove regional winner at third base as well as being named 2nd Team All-Region short stop. Last season he hit .361 with 17 runs scored, 9 RBI, 2 doubles and one home run. In high school he was a 1st Team All-Conference infielder as well as Honorable Mention All-State. As a junior he was a 2nd Team All-Conference pitcher. He is also a very good student who plans on majoring in education.
“There is nobody more prepared and qualified to take over our SS position vacated by Michael Schultz to the draft,” said Coach Verduzco. “Cody is a very high energy player and will be amongst the best in our league. He is as consistent a fielder as we’ve seen in a while.”
Martinez is a 6-1 outfielder who comes to MWSU from Yakima Valley CC in Yakima, Wash. He played his high school baseball at Roosevelt HS in Seattle, Wash. While at Mt. Hood he was a two time 2nd Team All-Region selection and a 2nd Team NWAAC selection. While in high school he was a two time captain as well as being named team MVP twice. He is also a solid student who plans on majoring in political science.
“Reid is a pure hitter coming from the state if Washington,” stated Coach Verduaco. “We see Reid stepping right into the heart of our order. He one of our top incoming JC players and we very excited that he has our program.”
Estes is a 6-0 outfielder who comes to MWSU from Longview CC in Lee’s Summit, Mo. He played his high school baseball at Odessa HS in Odessa, Mo. While at Longview he was a two time captain and selected to the All-Region team. While in high school he was a 1st Team All-Conference performer. He plans on majoring in physical education at Missouri Western.
“Matt will come in and compete for an outfield position this season,” commented Coach Verduzco. “He is a very consistent hitter that can use the whole field in his approach. A definite plus in our offensive scheme.”
Lansangan is a 5-10 pitcher who comes to Missouri Western from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas City, Mo. He played his high school baseball at Staley HS in Kansas City, Mo. Last season he pitched in five games with three starts. He pitched 13.2 innings with 12 strikeouts. He is currently undecided on a major at Missouri Western.
“Josh is a big time competitor,” stated Coach Verduzco. “He will solidify a very good bullpen and also look for him to challenge for a starting role. He has a very high baseball IQ and thrives on the tight moments in a game.”
— MWSU Sports Information —