Madison enters the 2026 baseball season in a strong position after capturing the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division title a year ago with a 15–5 record.
Head coach BJ Titman returns an experienced group, including five starters and seven lettermen, giving the Blue Streaks a veteran foundation as they try to defend their league crown and make a deeper postseason run.
“We’re looking forward to a competitive season with a lot of veterans returning with a ton of experience, and our guys filling in are all excellent players that will fit in nicely,” Titman said. “Our expectation is to compete for a league championship if we play well and hopefully end with a longer advancement in the tournament.”
Madison will rely on a balanced lineup and a strong pitching staff to carry the load this spring. The Blue Streaks lost several key contributors from last year’s team, including some of their speed on the bases, meaning the approach at the plate and on the basepaths may look slightly different.
“We lost a lot of really good players and a lot of speed, which was a big weapon for us,” Titman said. “While we are filling in those spots with other good ball players, we are going to have to play slightly differently to win games this year.”
The offense is anchored by senior first baseman Nathan Yarnell, a first-team All-CVC selection who hit .422 last season and led the team in hits. Yarnell, who will continue his career at Walsh University, provides both consistency at the plate and leadership in the field.
“I’m looking for Nathan to continue to play a tremendous first base and to impact our offense as he has continued to do for the last three years,” Titman said.
Senior third baseman Eddy Gvora will also play a major role in Madison’s success. The back-to-back CVC Player of the Year hit .365 last season and will lead the Blue Streaks both in the lineup and on the mound. Gvora posted a 3.12 ERA with 54 strikeouts and just 14 walks last year, and is committed to Lakeland Community College.
“I’m looking for Eddy to lead us on the mound first and foremost, as well as continue to be a run-producing bat,” Titman said.
Senior center fielder Evan Smith, a first-team All-CVC selection who hit .295 last season, brings athleticism to the middle of the field and versatility on the mound.
“We need Evan to play outstanding centerfield and help us on the mound,” Titman said. “I’m looking for him to be a constant problem for other teams at the plate and on the bases.”
Junior shortstop Brendan Titman returns after earning second-team All-CVC honors a year ago while hitting .282 with a .442 on-base percentage. His steady play on both sides of the ball will again be critical.
“I’m looking for Brendan to continue to be a constant in getting the job that is needed done defensively and at the plate,” Titman said.
Behind the plate, sophomore Luke Gibbons hit .344 with 11 RBIs as a freshman and is expected to take on an even larger role offensively while also contributing on the mound.
“Luke is going to be a big part of our success as a run producer as well as behind the plate and on the mound,” Titman said.
Madison’s defense will also feature seniors Logan Mullins and Daniel Schultz in the outfield, along with junior Gavin Petrowski at second base. Mullins provides versatility defensively, while Schultz is expected to contribute both at the plate and on the mound. Petrowski brings reliability to the infield and will also see time on the mound.
“We need Logan to be the outstanding outfielder he is and likely help us by bouncing around defensively as he is very reliable,” Titman said. “I’m hoping for a big year for Daniel at the plate and on the mound for us. He works extremely hard and I would love to see that pay off for him.”
Petrowski’s steady presence will be important in the middle of the diamond.
“Gavin should have a very solid year for us as he is very reliable in the field and on the mound,” Titman said.
Along with Gvora, junior Noah Yonchak is expected to play a key role in the pitching rotation.
“I’m looking for Noah to come in and be an anchor for the staff with his control and command of the strike zone,” Titman said.
Overall, Madison believes its combination of pitching, baseball IQ, and lineup balance can keep the Blue Streaks near the top of the CVC standings again this season.
“Our pitching and baseball IQ with this group is really strong, and we have a well-balanced team with a number of guys who can do a number of different things to help us be successful,” Titman said.
For Madison to reach its goals, the Blue Streaks know the offense must consistently produce from top to bottom.
“We need our batting order 1-9 to play off each other and get jobs done to score runs,” Titman said. “We do not have a ton of speed, but we do have really good baserunners, and if our guys execute their at-bats at the plate to go along with that, we will be in a position to win games.”
