Wake Forest Baseball Kicks Off Season in Puerto Rico
Wake Forest Baseball is set to launch its season in the picturesque setting of Puerto Rico. The Demon Deacons will face a challenging schedule, starting with their opening game against Houston on February 13, 2026.
Pitching Ace Blake Morningstar Takes the Mound
Blake Morningstar, a right-handed pitcher, will start for Wake Forest. Last season, he excelled with a 3.87 ERA across 79 innings, participating in 16 games, 14 of which were as a starter. His impressive performance included 93 strikeouts against 32 walks, marking him as a dominant presence on the mound.
Game Details
- Opponent: Houston Cougars
- Date: February 13, 2026
- Time: 9:30 a.m. EST
- Location: Estadio Francisco Montaner, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Broadcast: Victory+
Wake Forest is favored in this matchup, particularly given Houston’s projected placement of 13th in the Big 12 standings. Despite the unpredictable nature of baseball, Morningstar’s talent suggests a strong start for the Demon Deacons.
Challenging Matchup Against Washington
The second game of the season will see Wake Forest battle the Washington Huskies on February 14, 2026. The Demon Deacons will look to Chris Levonas as their starting pitcher, marking a noteworthy choice over UNC Wilmington transfer Cameron Bagwell.
Player to Watch
A key player for Washington is Casen Taggert, a fifth-year senior. Last season, he maintained a .326 batting average with on-base and slugging percentages of .469 and .494, respectively. With six home runs, 32 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases, he poses a significant threat to Wake Forest’s chances.
Game Details
- Opponent: Washington Huskies
- Date: February 14, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Estadio Francisco Montaner, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Broadcast: Victory+
Final Game against Indiana State
Wake Forest will conclude its Puerto Rico trip with a contest against the Indiana State Sycamores on February 15, 2026. The Sycamores have experienced success recently but faced challenges last season with a record of 24-31.
Game Details
- Opponent: Indiana State Sycamores
- Date: February 15, 2026
- Time: 2:30 p.m. EST
- Location: Estadio Francisco Montaner, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Broadcast: Victory+
Carter Beck, an outfielder for Indiana State, will be one player to watch closely. If Wake Forest’s pitching staff can effectively contain Beck, the team could secure a solid victory in this matchup.
As the Demon Deacons head into this series, their performance in Puerto Rico could set the tone for the season ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this talented roster performs under pressure.
