YAKIMA, Wash. – Guess who’s back, back again? Right-hander Daniel Charron (Central Washington University) and outfielder Jackson Reed (Seattle University) will be returning for the 2023 season. Both players were key for the Pipps in 2022, and head coach Kyle Krustangel believes that both can add more value to the team this summer.

“Both of these men are outstanding clubhouse guys,” Krustangel said. “The loose and light mentality they both showcase in the clubhouse turns into high-level play on the diamond, and both having an extra year to learn and grow will not just help them on the field, but the entire roster.”

Charron played two years at Spokane Community College before transferring to Central Washington University last fall. The Pasco, Washington, native features a high 80s/low 90s fastball, as well as a slider, changeup, and curveball. Last year for the Pippins, Charron tossed 32.1 innings with 19 strikeouts.

The former Chiawana High School star earned the Pipps’ lone playoff win last year, holding the six-time champion Corvallis Knights to just two earned runs in five innings of work. Charron knows he has plenty to build off of going into the 2023 season.

“Not giving up a lot of runs early in the game is going to be a huge thing for me,” Charron explained. “Understanding the circumstances of the game better and being able to trust an already reliable defense will go a long way for both the team and I when I’m on the mound.”

Reed had an immense amount of success at the dish last season, both collegiately and in Yakima. Reed batted .286 his freshman year at Seattle U., going 10 for 42 with three home runs and seven RBI. He also reached base safely in 8 of the 10 games played for the Redhawks. Then, the Boise, Idaho, native transferred his talents to Yakima and didn’t miss a beat.

Reed batted .357 in the regular season for the Pippins, he also added three home runs and 30 RBIs. The former two-sport standout at Capital High School in Boise is also no slouch on the basepaths. Reed had 20 stolen bases last year, and wants to continue to add that and more to his arsenal for the 2023 season.

“I love stealing bags,” Reed mentioned. “I want to continue to work as hard as I can on the bases, and continue to become more comfortable with my load in the box during at-bats.”

The Pippins open the 2023 WCL season on the road for a three-game series in Cowlitz against the Black Bears. The Pipps’ first home series will come against the defending champion Knights June 6 at The Orchard.