Macalester College baseball coach Matt Parrington has been honored as the MIAC Jim Dimick Coach of the Year for the third time in his career, a testament to his sustained excellence and the program’s rapid ascent.
The Scots posted a school‑record 29 wins this season, shattering the previous mark of 26 set during the 2011 and 2017 campaigns, while finishing second in the conference standings with a 15‑5 record.
After dropping to a 5‑15 conference slate the year before, the team surged to a 15‑5 mark, underscoring the impact of Parrington’s strategic adjustments and player development.
A Playoff Triumph
The climax came in the MIAC Playoff final, where Macalester edged Saint John’s 11‑6 to capture the tournament title and earn a berth in the NCAA Division III Championship.
Standout Performances
Senior pitcher Ben King anchored the rotation with a 3‑1 record, a 5.81 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 48 innings, while senior outfielder Raymond McCaskey set a new school record with 54 runs scored.
Junior infielder Holden Peacock contributed a .325 average, 47 runs and a walk‑off single in an 8‑7 victory over Saint Mary’s, and first‑year outfielder John McMurray led the squad with a .400 batting average and 66 hits.
Senior infielder Nathan Gumagay earned All‑MIAC honorable mention for the second straight season, while senior pitcher Jamie Loizeaux set a school record with 28 appearances and five saves.
Junior pitcher Jack Nussbaum and sophomore outfielder Tristan Lander also delivered clutch outings, with Lander’s walk‑off double against Bethel sealing a 6‑5 win.
The team’s momentum now carries into the national stage, as the Scots are slated to open NCAA Division III play on May 15 against UW‑Whitewater at 11:00 a.m.