Alex Raburn to Remain in Leadership Role for UNC Asheville Baseball

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville baseball interim head coach Alex Raburn will remain in his current leadership role through the 2026-27 academic year, Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone announced on Monday (May 25).

"Alex, his staff, and this program made tremendous progress this season in moving Bulldog baseball closer to sustained success while building a culture of excellence," said Cone. "Retaining Alex in his current role will allow us to continue evaluating the program's trajectory while maintaining momentum toward long-term success and a tradition of excellence."

The Bulldogs finished the 2026 season with a 21-34 overall record, improving their win total by six games from the previous year. Asheville posted several notable accomplishments throughout the season, including the program's first five-game winning streak since 2006.

The Bulldogs also secured the department's victory in the Ingles I-26 Rivalry with a win over USC Upstate, defeated Western Carolina at home for the first time since 2017, defeated Wofford at home for the first time since 2018, and handed High Point its only double-digit loss of the season.

As a team, Asheville showed significant improvement both offensively and on the mound. The Bulldogs improved their team batting average and OPS from the previous season while lowering their ERA from 9.40 to 7.67. Asheville also allowed 48 fewer runs than the year prior and improved its WHIP from 2.16 to 1.87.

At the plate, the Bulldogs nearly doubled their walk total from the previous season, drawing 261 walks compared to 164 in 2025. Asheville also increased its run production significantly, scoring 340 runs after totaling 281 the year before.

On the basepaths, the Bulldogs recorded 80 stolen bases, doubling their total from 2025, and finished ninth nationally in stolen bases at home.

Defensively, Asheville ranked No. 13 in the nation in double plays turned with 48 and improved its fielding percentage from .959 in 2025 to .965 this season.

Individually, Drew Turner broke the program's single-game strikeout record with 14 punchouts against Jackson State and finished the season leading the Big South Conference with 83 strikeouts.

Freshman Ben Green earned national recognition after being named to the College Baseball Hall of Fame John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Watch List and the Perfect Game Midseason Freshman All-America Second Team.

The Bulldogs also collected multiple weekly conference honors throughout the season, including five Big South Pitcher of the Week selections, two Relief Pitcher of the Week honors, and three Starting Pitcher of the Week recognitions.

Three Bulldogs earned postseason conference honors. Blaize Johnson was named to the Big South All-Conference First Team, Green earned a spot on the Big South All-Freshman Team, and Lucas Boesen was selected to the Big South All-Academic Team.

To stay up to date with all things surrounding UNC Asheville baseball, visit https://uncabulldogs.com/sports/baseball