The University of Minnesota Duluth baseball team was picked to repeat its 2025 finish Thursday by Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference coaches, a sixth place preseason nod for the Bulldogs, who finished 21-19 in conference play a year ago and 26-27 overall.

"We are excited to see this team build upon last year's improved play," said head coach Bob Rients, who begins his 21st season behind the Bulldog bench this year. "This squad has more experience than our teams the past handful of years which we expect to help with elevating our level of play throughout the season. If our seniors continue to lead, the juniors and sophomores take a step forward in production from last year, and our freshmen provide a boost of energy when called upon then this spring should be highly competitive for UMD Baseball.

Senior Troy Lynch was named UMD's NSIC Player to Watch, while senior right-handed pitcher Henry Wilkinson was named to the NSIC Pitcher to Watch list.

A native of Lakeville, Minn., Lynch posted a .378 batting average last season to pair with a .616 slugging percentage and .486 on base percentage. With nine home runs, Lynch also recorded 51 RBIs. Lynch led UMD in almost every offensive category last season, and earned All-NSIC Second team honors.

"Troy has worked each year to improve every facet of his skill set and we look forward to his best season as a senior," said Rients. "He has become a mainstay in the middle of the lineup with a high on-base percentage while embracing the intense moments of competition. He is fun to be around and is a good role model for younger players searching for ways to make an impact.

Wilkinson, a product of Eau Claire, Wis., went 5-2 last season and pitched 71.2 innings with a 4.14 ERA and 42 strikeouts. He also posted a 1.37 WHIP and a .281 bats against average.

"Henry is a very dependable leader and mentor to younger players so his true impact isn't wholly evident by stats," said Rients. "He has improved his ability each season with his junior year's performance being a significant reason we improved our overall record from the previous year. He separates himself from others with his competitive drive and intensity in key moments."