DENVER -- The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) released its 2026 NCAA Division II Baseball Preseason All-Region teams on Tuesday, with MSU Denver well represented in the South Central Region honors.

Senior third baseman Erubiel Ortiz was named to the Preseason All-South Central Region Team, earning the distinction as the lone Roadrunner selected. Ortiz returns after a standout 2025 campaign that included D2CCA All-South Central Region Second Team, All-RMAC First Team, and All-RMAC Gold Glove honors, while also excelling in the classroom with All-RMAC Academic First Team recognition and a spot on the RMAC Academic Honor Roll.

A consistent presence at the hot corner, Ortiz is expected to be a key bat in the middle of the Roadrunners' lineup once again in 2026, providing both power and defensive stability as MSU Denver looks to build on last season's success.

Senior catcher Royce Vandine was recognized as an honorable mention on the preseason list after an impressive return behind the plate in 2025. Vandine started 39 games last season and posted a .348 batting average, launching 10 home runs and driving in 42 runs, giving the Roadrunners one of the most productive catchers in the South Central Region.

As a team, MSU Denver was picked eighth in the NCBWA's South Central Region preseason poll. Head coach Ryan Strain and his squad are coming off a 33-24 season that featured the program's third NCAA Tournament appearance in four years and a trip to the RMAC Championship series.

With veteran leadership and mix of newcomers across the roster, the Roadrunners will look to carry that momentum into 2026 as they set their sights on earning another berth in the NCAA South Central Regional.