Signs of Growth Plainly Evident for Baylor Baseball Entering Final Nonconference Series
As Baylor University prepares for its final nonconference series of the 2025 baseball season, the signs of growth and improvement within the program are undeniable. After a challenging start to the season, the Bears have shown marked progress across multiple areas, signaling a promising trajectory as they head into the more demanding Big 12 Conference play.
Under head coach Steve Rodriguez, now in his eighth season at the helm, the Baylor Bears have undergone a transformative process. The team, which entered the season with a mixture of returning veterans and young talent, faced some early growing pains. However, those early struggles have given way to more consistent performances, and Baylor now finds itself in a position to compete in what is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in college baseball.
One of the most evident signs of growth has been the improvement in the Bears’ pitching staff. Early in the season, Baylor’s pitchers struggled with control issues and gave up a fair share of walks, which led to some disappointing results. However, over the course of the nonconference schedule, the Bears’ pitchers have shown marked improvements in their command, limiting free passes and becoming more effective in high-leverage situations. Senior right-hander Blake Helton, in particular, has emerged as a reliable starter for the Bears, consistently delivering quality innings and setting a strong example for the younger pitchers on the staff. His development has been crucial in setting the tone for a pitching staff that has started to look more cohesive as a unit.
Offensively, Baylor has also displayed significant progress. Early on, the Bears were inconsistent at the plate, struggling to generate runs in key moments. However, the lineup has become more disciplined at the plate, with players like junior outfielder Jared McKenzie and sophomore infielder Jack Pineda stepping up as consistent contributors. McKenzie, in particular, has been a standout with his ability to get on base and provide a spark at the top of the order, while Pineda has shown significant power, driving in crucial runs when the team has needed them most.
Defensively, Baylor has tightened up considerably. Early in the season, there were occasional lapses that led to costly errors, but as the Bears have grown, their defense has become more reliable, with infielders making plays they might have missed earlier in the season. Sophomore shortstop Trey Richardson has made impressive strides, showcasing his ability to make tough plays look routine while also contributing offensively.
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Baylor’s growth has been their ability to execute in critical moments. In past seasons, the Bears often struggled to close out games or capitalize on scoring opportunities in tight situations. However, in recent weeks, the team has shown a newfound resilience, whether it be coming back from late deficits or locking down late leads in close contests. Their ability to execute fundamental baseball has been a major factor in their improved performance, and it will be a key element as they head into conference play.
As Baylor heads into its final nonconference series, the team is playing with a sense of confidence that was not evident at the start of the year. While the challenges of the Big 12 await, the Bears’ growth in pitching, offense, and defense has put them in a much stronger position than they were just a few weeks ago. The final nonconference series presents one last opportunity for the team to fine-tune its game before facing the high stakes of conference play, and Baylor will enter that phase with optimism and a renewed belief in its potential. With continued development and cohesion, the Bears have the foundation to make a serious run in the Big 12 and beyond.
