Friday, February 13
Goodyear Ballpark | Goodyear, AZ
6 p.m. MT
Air Force Academy
vs
Penn State University
Air Force Baseball To Make 2026 Debut at MLB Desert Invitational, vs. Penn State
2/12/2026 11:33:00 AM | Baseball
GOODYEAR, Ariz., - Air Force baseball is back in full swing, with Opening Day at the MLB Desert Invitational against Penn State, on Friday February 13 at Goodyear Ballpark. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. MT as the Falcons kick off 2026.
AFA will also face Iowa, UConn, and Kansas State during their stint at the Invitational.
MEDIA
Live Stream: MLB.com | MLB Network (vs. Iowa)
Live Stats: MLB
Twitter: @AF_Baseball
MLB DESERT INVITATIONAL
Air Force will make their 2026 debut at the prestigious 7th annual MLB Desert Invitational, against Penn State on Friday February 13.
This marks the Falcons' first appearance at Invite, as they are one of four first-time participants.
Other participating teams include Northeastern, Nebraska, and Grand Canyon.
SCHEDULE
Feb. 13 vs. Penn State | 6 p.m. MT | Goodyear Ballpark
Feb. 14 vs. Iowa | 6:30 p.m. MT | Salt River Fields
Feb. 15 vs. UConn | 6 p.m. MT | Salt River Fields
Feb. 16 vs. Kansas State | Sloan Park
ALL-TIME SERIES vs. PENN STATE
The two programs have faced each other just one time, in 2008. Penn State won the game 12-2.
PROBABLE STARTERS (2025 OPS)
The Falcons are geared up and ready to battle heading into 2026 after coming off a 20-34 slate. A critical component for the coming season will be the experience returning from last year, with 25 returning letterwinners.
Air Force welcomes back seven 2025 lineup starters, of which six are projected to start this season, along with 13 pitchers, which will be strong point for the year.
Head Coach Mike Kazlausky said, "The guys have great energy and are getting hype for some play time."
In preparation for this season, Air Force has been focused on "doing the little things correct," as Kaz explained.
LEADING FROM THE FRONT
Chosen by their teammates and the coaching staff, seniors Walker Zapp and Joey Collier are serving as the team captains.
Both Falcons played all four years at the Academy and have been strong leaders, not only on the field but in all aspects of character and military endeavors.
Collier serves as the cadet squadron 22 Group 3 A Staff, helping execute the Squadron Commander's direction and established policies and directives.
Zapp serves as the cadet squadron 24 Flight Commander with responsibilities including management, training, and proficiency of assigned flight personnel as well as the morale, welfare and evaluation of Basic Cadets under his supervision.
ZAPP IS BACK
Senior catcher Walker Zapp makes his return to the lineup, following his critical efforts for the Falcons last season. The Auburn, Ala., native is vocal behind the plate and the top hitting returnee after batting .330 for seven homers, 18 doubles, and five triples during 2025. Zapp was the lone player to represent the Falcons on the 2026 Mountain West Preseason All-Conference team. He was also named the #44 backstop in the country by D1 Baseball.
ON THE MOUND
Air Force returns a steady pitching staff, looking for their experience to help out on the mound.
Previous starters Ethan Dillinger, Cranz Smelcer, and Gaines Estridge will be strong points. Estridge is slated to start the first game of the season after his 17 appearances last year. In 36.1 innings the righty earned one win and struck out 23 batters.
Reliever Patrick Davidson led the team in wins (5) and saves (3) in 2025 and will be looked to for some swings and misses. Davis Rhyne, Sam Hentges and Bowen Brantingham will also add experience to the bullpen rotation.
NEW SEASON, NEW FACES
The Falcons welcome 15 newcomers to the team heading into the 2026 season. Unlike many other baseball programs, Air Force cannot participate in the transfer portal or NIL, thus the newest Birds are all true freshman.
Among the new guys, there are three outfielders, two infielders, one catcher, five RHPs, three RHPs, and one of both a utility player and catcher.
New lefty Josh Holst is projected to make his collegiate debut in the starting spot against Iowa on Saturday Feb. 14 at the MLB Desert Invitational. Pitching Coach Kyle Winkler mentioned his good fastball and commanding change ups, forcing batters to swing and miss.
RHP Jordan Watkins is expected to be a strong addition to the pitching staff. His fastball and changeup will leave a batter waiting as he throws for straight Ks.
In the field, Wyatt Hanoian and Brooks Burdine are looking to make their collegiate debuts in the starting lineup and should shake up things at the plate.
A LOOK AT PENN STATE
The Nittany Lions are coming off a winning 33-23 season and were leveled at 15-15 in Big Ten play. They concluded their 2025 season with a loss in the semifinal at their conference tournament to Nebraska.
AFA will also face Iowa, UConn, and Kansas State during their stint at the Invitational.
MEDIA
Live Stream: MLB.com | MLB Network (vs. Iowa)
Live Stats: MLB
Twitter: @AF_Baseball
MLB DESERT INVITATIONAL
Air Force will make their 2026 debut at the prestigious 7th annual MLB Desert Invitational, against Penn State on Friday February 13.
This marks the Falcons' first appearance at Invite, as they are one of four first-time participants.
Other participating teams include Northeastern, Nebraska, and Grand Canyon.
SCHEDULE
Feb. 13 vs. Penn State | 6 p.m. MT | Goodyear Ballpark
Feb. 14 vs. Iowa | 6:30 p.m. MT | Salt River Fields
Feb. 15 vs. UConn | 6 p.m. MT | Salt River Fields
Feb. 16 vs. Kansas State | Sloan Park
ALL-TIME SERIES vs. PENN STATE
The two programs have faced each other just one time, in 2008. Penn State won the game 12-2.
PROBABLE STARTERS (2025 OPS)
- L/L Brooks Burdine, RF (-)
- R/R Kayden Bradshaw, CF (.542)
- R/R Tripp Garrish, DH (.914)
- R/R Walker Zapp, C (.999)
- R/R Luke Elmore, 1B (.833)
- R/R T.J. Oster, 2B (.678)
- R/R Christian Taylor, LF (.797)
- L/R Ben Niednagel, SS (.722)
- S/R Wyatt Hanoian, 3B (-)
The Falcons are geared up and ready to battle heading into 2026 after coming off a 20-34 slate. A critical component for the coming season will be the experience returning from last year, with 25 returning letterwinners.
Air Force welcomes back seven 2025 lineup starters, of which six are projected to start this season, along with 13 pitchers, which will be strong point for the year.
Head Coach Mike Kazlausky said, "The guys have great energy and are getting hype for some play time."
In preparation for this season, Air Force has been focused on "doing the little things correct," as Kaz explained.
LEADING FROM THE FRONT
Chosen by their teammates and the coaching staff, seniors Walker Zapp and Joey Collier are serving as the team captains.
Both Falcons played all four years at the Academy and have been strong leaders, not only on the field but in all aspects of character and military endeavors.
Collier serves as the cadet squadron 22 Group 3 A Staff, helping execute the Squadron Commander's direction and established policies and directives.
Zapp serves as the cadet squadron 24 Flight Commander with responsibilities including management, training, and proficiency of assigned flight personnel as well as the morale, welfare and evaluation of Basic Cadets under his supervision.
ZAPP IS BACK
Senior catcher Walker Zapp makes his return to the lineup, following his critical efforts for the Falcons last season. The Auburn, Ala., native is vocal behind the plate and the top hitting returnee after batting .330 for seven homers, 18 doubles, and five triples during 2025. Zapp was the lone player to represent the Falcons on the 2026 Mountain West Preseason All-Conference team. He was also named the #44 backstop in the country by D1 Baseball.
ON THE MOUND
Air Force returns a steady pitching staff, looking for their experience to help out on the mound.
Previous starters Ethan Dillinger, Cranz Smelcer, and Gaines Estridge will be strong points. Estridge is slated to start the first game of the season after his 17 appearances last year. In 36.1 innings the righty earned one win and struck out 23 batters.
Reliever Patrick Davidson led the team in wins (5) and saves (3) in 2025 and will be looked to for some swings and misses. Davis Rhyne, Sam Hentges and Bowen Brantingham will also add experience to the bullpen rotation.
NEW SEASON, NEW FACES
The Falcons welcome 15 newcomers to the team heading into the 2026 season. Unlike many other baseball programs, Air Force cannot participate in the transfer portal or NIL, thus the newest Birds are all true freshman.
Among the new guys, there are three outfielders, two infielders, one catcher, five RHPs, three RHPs, and one of both a utility player and catcher.
New lefty Josh Holst is projected to make his collegiate debut in the starting spot against Iowa on Saturday Feb. 14 at the MLB Desert Invitational. Pitching Coach Kyle Winkler mentioned his good fastball and commanding change ups, forcing batters to swing and miss.
RHP Jordan Watkins is expected to be a strong addition to the pitching staff. His fastball and changeup will leave a batter waiting as he throws for straight Ks.
In the field, Wyatt Hanoian and Brooks Burdine are looking to make their collegiate debuts in the starting lineup and should shake up things at the plate.
A LOOK AT PENN STATE
The Nittany Lions are coming off a winning 33-23 season and were leveled at 15-15 in Big Ten play. They concluded their 2025 season with a loss in the semifinal at their conference tournament to Nebraska.
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