MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University baseball program is excited to announce the seven new student-athletes that signed during the 2022 recruiting class as announced by head coach Kellen Walker and assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Trevor Podratz.
Andrew Scully is an infielder from Florence-Carlton High School in Florence, Mont. He has the ability to play anywhere on the field, seeing time at both of the corner infield positions and at utility. Scully spent five seasons on varsity, earning Rookie of the Year and taking home three All-Conference honors. In addition, he played basketball for three years on varsity.
"Andrew is a physical right-handed bat that is very passionate about his craft in the box. And he is very passionate to be a Wolf. His background in basketball adds a layer of athleticism that compliments his physicality. Andrew is a corner infielder that is a nose to the grindstone kind of young man that we are
very excited to have on board," Podratz said.
McKay Pali is a utility player seeing time both in the infield and in the outfield from the Kamehameha Schools in Wailuku, Hawaii. He played every season of his career on varsity. He was a two-sport athlete also competing in football. Pali was strong in the classroom holding an almost 3.50 GPA.
"McKay is a two-sport athlete coming to us from Hawaii. He brings a physicality to the offensive side of the game that we believe will be enjoyable to watch with him in the Wolves pinstripes. The football player in him brings the competitive nature out, that translates to him fitting right into the mix with how
we do things here," Podratz said.
Kyle Hiltbrand is an infielder/outfielder who spent time at both Mission College Prep and the IMG Academy and is originally from San Luis Obispo, Calif. He's been on varsity throughout his prep career, as this past season he hit .324 with 15 runs scored, 12 RBI and three stolen bases. He led his team in all major statistical categories that year. Over the summer, Hiltbrand added a .400 average with six RBI and nine runs scored playing for the Slammers Asnicar.
"Kyle and his skillset as a utility player will be a great fit. Kyle is excited to compete for us and is committed to cementing himself in the traditions of WOU Baseball. He brings experience playing all over the country in many different situations that we believe will lead to him being successful early," Podratz said.
Yuzo Ishioka is a pitcher originally from Tokyo, Japan who played at the IMG Academy out in Florida. He competed on varsity throughout his prep career and also spent time as an outfielder. Ishioka earned the MVP and Golden Glove honors this past season. During this past season he tossed over 55 innings, tallying 66 strikeouts and picking up a win. He also added a hit in just four plate appearances.
"Yuzo is a RHP and outfielder coming to us originally from Tokyo, Japan. Yuzo is incredibly competitive on the mound with an unlimited amount of respect for the game of baseball. It is very refreshing to watch Yuzo go about his business and he represents a lot of the pride and respect we wish to instill in our
culture here," Podratz said.
Tyler Mohler is a first baseman/outfielder/pitcher from Los Osos High School in Alta Loma, Calif. Tyler will join his brother Dylan on the Wolves after the two played throughout their prep career together. While playing on varsity throughout his career, Tyler was a First Team All-League honoree, team captain, Silver Slugger, MVP and a Scholar-Athlete. He has put together impressive numbers at the plate hitting over .500 throughout his prep career, including a .700 average as a sophomore and hitting .450 this past season. Tyler helped Los Osos to the first round of the CIF Playoffs. While playing for his summer ball team, the Ohio Warhawks, Tyler made the WWBA All-Tournament Team in Jupiter, Fla.
"The Mohler twins are two that we are very excited about. Tyler brings an unmatched toughness and competitiveness that may only be rivaled by his brother Dylan. Tyler brings an athleticism to the outfield as well as a consistency to the batter's box that we are excited to see play out here at Western," Podratz said.
Dylan Mohler is a third baseman/pitcher from Los Osos High School in Alta Loma, Calif. While playing on varsity throughout his career, Dylan took home a pair of Golden Glove awards, was a varsity captain and earned two Scholar-Athlete awards. During his sophomore season on the mound, Dylan pitched three perfect games holding a zero ERA with five strikeouts. As a junior he held an ERA around 2.50 working 10 games and collecting 12 strikeouts. Over the course of his career he has held a .300 batting average at the plate. Dylan helped Los Osos to the first round of the CIF Playoffs.
"As mentioned for Tyler, these twins are as tough as anyone could want in a player. Dylan brings an aggressive defensive skill set as well as a willingness to succeed on the mound that fits perfectly with the makeup of our pitching staff," Podratz said.
Kadin Hanta is a third baseman/shortstop from Kahala High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. While playing on varsity over the past few seasons, Hanta has helped the team to a couple of impressive seasons. As a sophomore, the team went 6-1 and were set for the playoffs before being canceled by COVID. During his sophomore season the team went 11-1 advancing all the way to the championship series.
"Kadin is a slick defending shortstop that is ready to play defense now. Smooth left-handed swing, natural fluid actions at shortstop with the ability to make the highlight reel play appear to be second nature. Excited to have another poised ball player from Hawaii," Podratz said.
