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ORU Baseball Coaches' Pick to Win Summit League

After winning its record 13th straight league championship a year ago, Oral Roberts was an overwhelming choice to claim The Summit League crown in 2011 as voted on by the league's eight head coaches.

Reigning tournament champion Oral Roberts returns three of its top four leading hitters from last season after receiving seven first-place votes and 49 points. Senior first team all-league selection Nick Baligod leads the way for the Golden Eagles after hitting .390 with a team-leading .486 on-base percentage to go along with 11 home runs and 54 RBI. Senior all-league recipients Chris Elder and Joey Winiecki also return for head coach Rob Walton. Elder batted .331 last season, while Winiecki hit .329 and stole 14 bases.

On the mound, southpaw Mark Guest returns for his senior season after leading ORU with a 4.35 ERA a year ago in 23 appearances. Senior Bryce Smolen (4.41 ERA) is also welcomed back after leading the league with six complete games and a 9-3 record last season.

The Golden Eagles open up Friday with the first of a three game series in Waco, TX against the Baylor Bears.

ORU returns to Tulsa on February 22 for its home opener against Wichita State at 6:30PM.