Batesville, AR - The Lyon College Scots Baseball enter the 2026 season looking to build on last year's 20–20 finish, returning a strong core of offensive contributors while integrating a sizable group of newcomers into the roster for another competitive spring in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Lyon brings back much of its offensive production from 2025, giving the Scots experience throughout the lineup. Senior Kooper McCoy returns after leading the team with a .364 batting average, 40 RBI, and a .494 on-base percentage while starting all 40 games. Senior Eli Marcotte adds power and patience in the middle of the order after hitting .331 with eight home runs and 34 RBI, while Slade Inman (.341, 24 RBI) provides consistency and versatility on the infield.
Head Coach Justin Cunningham had this to say about his team, "I'm excited about this group. They've worked with consistency and maturity, and there's a strong sense of ownership inside the clubhouse".
Landon Swallow returns after batting .346 and driving in 29 runs, offering flexibility as both a position player and pitcher. Ashton Compton remains a key defensive anchor after starting every game last season, and catcher Braden Bramlett adds depth behind the plate after hitting .375 in limited action. This returning group gives Lyon proven production and leadership at key defensive positions.
The Scots return several arms that gained valuable innings a season ago and are poised for expanded roles. Junior Connor Taylor leads the group after striking out 27 batters in 29.1 innings in 2025. Carter Sprague showed promise out of the bullpen with a 1.08 ERA, while Colton Will posted a 1.80 ERA across five appearances. Parker Paschal, Kenny Jennings, Alex Marsh, and Jonah Wilkerson also return after gaining experience on the mound and add depth to a staff focused on improving consistency through conference play.
Lyon welcomes a large incoming class that adds competition and depth across the field. The freshman group includes multiple position players who will compete for roles in the infield and outfield, along with several new arms that will be evaluated early in the season. This group, combined with returning veterans, gives the Scots flexibility as lineups and rotations take shape over the course of the year.
Head coach Justin Cunningham believes the foundation is in place for a productive spring.
"I'm excited about this group," Cunningham said. "They've worked with consistency and maturity, and there's a strong sense of ownership inside the clubhouse."
Cunningham emphasized the team's approach as the season unfolds.
"Our focus is on playing clean, competitive baseball and growing as the season unfolds," he said. "If we play to our standards and for each other, we'll give ourselves a chance every time we step on the field."
With experienced run producers back in the lineup, a pitching staff that logged meaningful innings last season, and an influx of new talent, Lyon enters the 2026 season with balance and depth across the roster. As conference play approaches, the Scots look forward to an exciting spring filled with competitive series, internal development, and opportunities to continue moving the program forward.
