Cannon’s bat propels Redhawks to successful week

After a rocky beginning to the 2024 season, SEMO baseball got back on track last week with a 4-1 showing.

Perhaps the highlight of the week came during the Redhawks’ 8-3 road win at the University of Missouri.

With the Redhawks rallying in the fifth, Bryce Cannon launched a grand slam to right field that stunned the Tiger faithful.

“It was pretty special,” Cannon said. “I was in a two-strike count and I was just trying to put the bat on the ball. He left a slider out over the plate and I just did what I could.”

Like numerous other players on the roster, Cannon made his way to SEMO by way of the junior college circuit.

Cannon played at Santa Rosa Junior College under coach Damon Neidlinger, who Redhawks coach Andy Sawyers had high praise for.

“His word is gold,” Sawyers said. “If he says a kid can play, he can play. I was actually recruiting another kid off his team and he told me if I ever needed a left-handed bat, he would bet on Bryce Cannon. Bryce ended up needing a place to go and I’m glad he came to SEMO.”

Cannon, a California native, was hesitant to leave the west coast, but Sawyers’ loyalty stuck with him.

“He stayed consistent and he stayed loyal,” Cannon said. “He kept calling me and he was just very loyal to me. That was very important to me so I stuck with it, I decided to come here and I love it.”

The grand slam at Missouri wasn’t the only highlight of Cannon’s week.

During the weekend series against Toledo, the junior finished the four-game set 5-for-15 with a home run and 8 RBI.

“I’m just trying to get something elevated,” Cannon said of his approach at the plate. “I’m just trying to play for the guy next to me and do whatever I can to help my team win.”

Cannon’s week was a continuation of the early success he has found in his first season at the Division I level.

In 12 games played, Cannon is batting .311 with 4 home runs and a team-high 18 RBI.

“It’s very special to be playing Division I baseball,” Cannon said. “I’m just thankful to be playing baseball because there’s not a lot of kids that get this opportunity.”

Cannon said when he’s swinging the bat like he did last week it breeds confidence in him.

“You do get into a groove and you get confident,” Cannon said. “Even if you have a really good day, the next day is a new day.”

Cannon attributes his early success to his time spent at Santa Rosa and the foundation the baseball program is built on.

“Santa Rosa is a solid program,” Cannon said. “It produces some really good ball players. It teaches you how to become a man when you don’t play well, it teaches you how to be a good teammate and just work hard and play for the guy next to you.”

During Sunday’s 10-9 loss to Toledo, Cannon finished the day 0-for-4 with an RBI.

“Today I didn’t play well,” Cannon said. “It’s going to happen. Like I said, I had a good week but I learned the most about myself today. When I struggle, that’s when I’m learning the most. I’m going to take that home and see what adjustments I can make to make myself a better player for my team.”

Perhaps some players would feel pressure in their first season at the D1 level, but not Cannon.

“I’ve developed a mindset to where pressure is my friend,” Cannon said. “I want pressure. Bring it on. That’s how I think about it.”

Cannon and the Redhawks are back in action at 3 pm on Tuesday, March 5, when they host Middle Tennessee State at Capaha Field.