Today we focus on the two hitters with the highest batting average for the 2017 Mustangs — a sophomore and senior.

Alex McKenna (Sophomore, Outfielder)

Alex McKenna was unquestionably the team’s offensive leader in 2017 and figures to be in that role once again as a junior in 2018. By Owen Main

McKenna was Cal Poly’s offensive leader in every way. The sophomore showcased his talent early in his freshman year, but injuries derailed him down the stretch. In his sophomore campaign, McKenna led the team by a wide margin in average, hits, runs, home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and stolen bases — all while not making a single error in center field, while starting all 56 games.

The Cape Crusader

McKenna spent his 2017 summer in Massachusetts, in the Cape Cod league. With the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, he hit .298 with 37 hits in 31 games. He was also named to the league’s All-Star Team.  

When you’re on The Cape, you get to have spray charts like this easily accessible for people like you and me. It also means that lots of scouts get to see you play on a daily basis. If his past success in San Luis Obispo is any indication about his future, McKenna is likely to be drafted highly after his junior year, which would likely mean 2018 would be his last in a Cal Poly uniform. 

One thing I really liked about McKenna’s play in 2017 was his consistent approach. While he did lead the Mustangs in strikeouts, he definitely improved from his freshman year in terms of recognizing breaking balls and not swinging at bad pitches — especially with two strikes. He could still improve some there, but he took a huge step forward in his 2017 collegiate season. 

Michael Sanderson (Senior, Infielder)

Michael Sanderson had his finest season at Cal Poly as a senior. By Owen Main

Going out with a bang

Sometimes, guys go out on their shield. Sanderson, who was a junior college transfer at Cal Poly, finished his two year career at Baggett Stadium by going out on his shield. In the first inning of his final game, the first baseman made a diving catch in foul territory, breaking a bone and finishing his season. For a team that was unlikely to make the postseason at that point, it was kind of a legendary way to go out. 

Sanderson’s right arm had already betrayed him earlier in the season, forcing the move from third base to first. But he continued to mash. Sanderson finished second in batting average, third in hits, and had the second highest slugging percentage on the roster. 

His three home runs on the season, the only three of his Mustang career, were all hit in the final month of the 2017 season.

A Chico native, whose grandfather was the Cal Poly football coach in the early 1980’s, Sanderson finished his two-year Cal Poly career with a .309 average in 108 games — mostly at third base. 

On Wednesday, eight Cal Poly baseball players earned All-Big West honors for the 2017 season. 

Sophomores Alex McKenna (outfielder), Spencer Howard (pitcher), and Kyle Marinconz (second baseman) were all named to the conference’s first team. 

Spencer Howard was one of eight Cal Poly Mustangs who made the all-Big West team in 2017. By Owen Main

Mustangs named to the second team were first baseman Michael Sanderson, catcher Nick Meyer, infielder Bradlee Beesley, pitcher Erich Uelmen, and pitcher Michael Clark. 

The Mustangs finished the season in sole possession of second place in the Big West Conference, but failed to make a regional due to subpar non-conference play.

Howard, Uelmen, and Marinconz are all draft-eligible underclassmen and Sanderson, who was injured making a diving catch in the first inning of his final game completed his senior season.

Long Beach State dominated conference play and the individual non-conference postseason awards. The Dirtbags will host the toughest regional in the NCAA tournament starting this weekend.