WASHINGTON, D.C. – Saint Louis was tabbed to finish first in the 2024 Atlantic 10 Conference baseball race, the league announced today.
 
The Billikens received three first-place votes from the league's coaches. George Mason (2), last year's A-10 tournament champion was second, followed by Saint Joseph's (1), Davidson (2), VCU (2), Dayton (1), and Rhode Island (1). 
 
SLU returns multiple key contributors from last year's team that went 33-23 overall and 15-9 in Atlantic 10 Conference play. The Billikens top five hitters will be back in action with Cole Smith, Hayden Moore, Ethan Sitzman, Patrick Clohisy and Tyler Fogarty returning to lead the charge at the plate in 2024.
 
A year ago, Smith went .367 from the plate in 221 at-bats. Similarly, Moore and Sitzman recorded respective batting averages of .359 and .327 while Clohisy led the team in RBIs and Fogarty blasted 12 home runs.
 
SLU also brings back a strong pitching core as its three starters will return to the mound. Henry Litman led the charge, pitching a team-high 77 innings in 2023 and compiling an ERA of 4.32. Owen Chaffin and Jackson return for the Billikens as well, after making 14 starts apiece and recording 32 and 37 strikeouts, respectively.
 
SLU also added 15 newcomers over the offseason who will look to make an immediate impact in the upcoming season.
 
Head coach Darin Hendrickson is in his 17th season leading the program. He is 479-377-1 at SLU and has compiled 969 total wins while entering his 27th season overall.
 
Saint Louis opens its 2024 campaign Feb. 16-18 at the Snowbird Classic in Port Charlotte, Fla. The Billikens will take on St. Thomas and Illinois State, playing two games against each opponent over the three-day stretch. 
 
Click here for the Billikens' complete schedule.
Click here for the Billikens' roster.