OMAHA, Neb. - Most of Omaha Baseball's top hitters from last season's squad will be back in the lineup when the Mavericks open the 2026 season this weekend.

Leading the way is third baseman Henry Zipay, the reigning Summit League player of the year. 
Zipay batted .384 a year ago and also led the team in runs scored (43), doubles (15) and triples (5). 

But as a new season begins Friday with a series at Arizona State, the third baseman knows everything is starting from scratch.

"I just try to erase (2025) from my memory and start fresh," Zipay said. "I definitely would like to repeat it, but baseball's a hard game."

Head coach Evan Porter, whose team went 20-30 a year ago, feels the same way.

"We don't expect him to be player of the year again, we just want him to go into each at-bat the way he does, have a quality at-bat. If he does that, everything will turn out all right for him," Porter said. "He's such a mature guy and leads as a team captain."

Zipay, who will turn 25 years old next month, has plenty of experience around him. Porter said Omaha's lineup could be filled by players who are in at least their fourth year of college baseball.

"I think that helps to get through the challenges that every year brings," Porter said of the team's experience. "And most of those guys are plus-defenders."

Four of the five Mavericks who batted .299 or better a year ago are back. Tyler Bishop led the team in home runs (9) and RBI (51) while batting .299, Jackson Trout hit .328 with 37 RBI, and Drew Borner hit .308 while showing pop at the plate.

"Being consistent, I think, is a big thing for our offense, having one through nine contributing," Zipay said. "I think we brought in some guys who will help progress our offense this year."

Among the newcomers are shortstop Chase Diggins, who batted .262 in 52 games at Kansas last season. Porter expects Diggins to be the team's leadoff batter. Other transfers expected to be in the outfield rotation are Hayden Lewis and Joey Craig.

While the lineup has ample experience, Porter said "hopefully we make a jump this year" on the mound.

Omaha relied on freshman pitchers last year when the team ERA was 7.11. Tanner Foertsch, Carter Mick and Maddox Meyer are back for their sophomore seasons after all three made at least 16 appearances on the mound last spring.

"There's nothing like a full year of experience to get you ready. That experience will really help," Trout said of the pitching.

Porter said he's got options when it comes to establishing a weekend rotation. Besides the sophomore returners, Drew Iverson, who pitched out of the bullpen the previous two seasons at Wichita State, and junior college transfer Isaak Crittenden are in the mix as starters.

Porter added that Sam Beck is healthy after dealing with injuries last season.

Whoever is on the mound, Porter said limiting free bases will be crucial for the pitching staff.

"If we cannot beat ourselves on the mound, that's going to be the key to our success this year," Porter said. 

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