YAKIMA, Washington — Two teammates from Central Arizona and one more player from Chaffey College are set to join the Pippins roster this summer.

Right-handed pitcher Colton LaFave and shortstop David Ballenilla will take the field for the Pippins after their college season is completed for Central Arizona. Left-handed pitcher Donovann Jackson will join Chaffey teammates James Rivera and Preston Allen this season with Yakima Valley.

Jackson has improved many of his key pitching stats during his sophomore season for the Panthers. His ERA, hits and runs allowed have decreased from his first year on the mound in college. The 6-foot-2 sophomore is excited to be able to join his college teammates for some more baseball this summer.

“We spent a lot of time together, especially me and Boogie, just being pitchers,” Jackson said. “I just feel like we’ll bring a good amount of comraderie and hopefully the good culture that we have.”

Jackson has appeared in 12 games so far this college season, with 11 starts. He owns a 6-2 record with a 2.98 ERA. He said that his pitch technique can bring a lot of success his way.

“Big fastball, changeup. I feel like they play really well off each other,” the Glendora, California, native said. “I’ll flash a curveball every once in a while.”

Jackson said his development while being a part of the Chaffey College program has led him to significant growth on and off the field.

“A lot, both mentally and physically,” Jackson said.

“I came to Chaffey really underweight, and underdeveloped. I took a redshirt year, put on 15 pounds, cleaned up some mechanics. Experience-wise, it was just a big difference between high school to playing 20 and 21-year-olds.”

The new Pippins pitcher is set to join Santa Barbara next college baseball season.

LaFave will be playing his first season of summer collegiate baseball with the Pippins. The freshman pitcher at Central Arizona said he is excited about the chance to prove himself on a big stage in the West Coast League.

“My expectations are really just going out, being able to have a good time with guys from all different levels of baseball, and just get my name out to all these big-time schools around the country,” the new Pippins hurler said.

Over his first season at the college level, the Litchfield Park, Arizona, native said his mentality has grown quite a bit.

“I’ve improved a lot on my mentality on the mound, and playing like I’m the best guy out there, and no one can beat me,” LaFave said.

This improved mentality has been on display all season long. LaFave has appeared in 11 games this year for the Vaqueros and has produced 24 strikeouts in just 16.1 IP. In some of his recent appearances, he said his pitches sat around 92 mph. There is one pitch the righty said is his favorite to deliver.

“I’d probably have to go (with) my cutter,” LaFave said.

“It’s a pretty true cutter, and compared to everything else I throw, it’s one of the harder pitches to hit off of me. So that’s why it’s my favorite.”

Ballenilla comes to the Pippins from Central Arizona as well. The infielder mentioned that his freshman season has been a very positive start to his college career.

“My experience has been great, man,” the infielder said.

“The people all around the campus, the coaches, the players – it’s just great vibes, man. We got a special group this year.”

The Boston, Massachusetts, native is making his summer ball debut as part of Yakima Valley this year. He has appeared in 15 games during the college season with the Vaqueros and has 17 hits. He has brought some impressive power to the plate, with five doubles and two triples thus far.

One part of the summer ball experience Ballenilla is excited about is taking in wisdom from the experienced players around him.

“Get to know a lot more people, and make my game way better,” Ballenilla said. “Mature more, learn better, learn from the guys in the clubhouse, everything.”

Ballenilla has 16 RBIs this year, and he said run production is a very important factor of his game.

“The production is something big with my game,” the new Pippins infielder said. “I can bring that type of stuff to the table. Every time someone is on, I’m going to make sure I bring it.”