Kyler Castillo and Cody Dye tabbed as team captains
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Renewed optimism is permeating in and around the University of New Mexico baseball program heading into the 2020 season. One of the biggest catalysts for the optimism is the excitement surrounding the influx of talented new players to the program, and that is represented in the selections of juniors Kyler Castillo and Cody Dye as team captains.
While Castillo is a true newcomer to the Lobos as a junior college transfer, Dye is a familiar name and face, but will have the feel of a newcomer in 2020. The right-hander missed the 2019 season after having Tommy John surgery last year but was a weekend starter for the Lobos as a sophomore in 2018.
For head coach Ray Birmingham, the fact that two players who did not play for the Lobos last season were selected as team captains says it all about the kind of players they are, “these guys are grinders. The team respects their work ethic and this honor is an example of that.”
Cody DyeDye’s return to the mound will be a welcomed addition to the Lobo pitching staff and provides instant experience as he has logged 99.0 career innings at UNM. As a freshman, Dye worked exclusively out of the bullpen and made 12 appearances. In 12.2 innings as a rookie, Dye went 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA, totaled 11 strikeouts and allowed just two extra-base hits.
As a sophomore, Dye moved into a starting pitcher role and started 14 games. Leading the team in pitching wins with five, Dye worked a team-high 86.1 innings and punched out 76 batters while posting a 5.63 ERA. He also authored the team’s lone complete game of the season as he went 9.0 innings against UNLV.
Kyler CastilloExpectations and excitement are understandably high for Castillo as he was named to the NJCAA Division I All-America First Team last season. In that year at Odessa JC, Castillo batted a remarkable .460 (103-for-224) and led NJCAA Division I in hits (103) and triples (11). A native of Midlothian, Texas, Castillo also ranked 5th in NJCAA Division I in total bases (168) as he racked up 22 doubles, 11 triples and seven home runs.
Castillo and Dye will begin leading the Lobos on the field on Friday, February 14 as the team opens their 2020 season in Surprise, Ariz. as part of the annual Sanderson Ford Collegiate Baseball Classic. The Lobos’ first opponent will be Oregon State on that Friday. The Lobos will then play a split doubleheader against BYU on Saturday and then wrap up their first weekend with a game against Gonzaga on Monday, February 17.
New Mexico Mutual Pride Pass
The best way to take in all of Lobo Baseball action at Santa Ana Star Field this season is through the purchase of the New Mexico Mutual Pride Pass. For just $50, a Pride Pass will give you access to all 29 home games on the 2020 schedule. Better still, a New Mexico Mutual Pride Pass also allows you to take in home events for indoor track and field and home games for softball.
To purchase a New Mexico Mutual Pride Pass, CLICK HERE.