EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa.–East Stroudsburg University continues to produce top-tier baseball talent, as three former Warriors take significant steps in their professional careers.

Dennis Pierce, a redshirt senior from Quakertown, PA, has signed with the Evansville Otters, bringing his power-hitting abilities to the Frontier League. In his lone season at ESU, Pierce made an immediate impact, batting .368 across 56 games with 67 hits, 12 doubles, 19 home runs, and 67 RBIs. His impressive .758 slugging percentage established him as one of the top offensive threats in the conference, while his disciplined approach resulted in 29 walks and a .471 on-base percentage.

"Although Dennis was only with us for one year, he had a major impact on our team both on the field and as a leader off the field," said ESU head coach John Kochmansky. "He put together one of the most prolific offensive seasons we've ever seen here, and we're sure he will continue that production."

Meanwhile, Brent Francisco is leaping to MLB after the Minnesota Twins purchased his contract from the Washington Wild Things. Francisco impressed early in his professional career, delivering three scoreless outings for Washington, including a two-inning appearance against Windy City on May 10. A dominant force at ESU, Francisco set program records in wins, strikeouts, and K:BB ratio, earning multiple All-American honors and Pitcher of the Year awards. He also excelled with the Crosscutters in Williamsport, recording 28 strikeouts over 32.2 innings. Across five collegiate seasons, Francisco compiled a 30-10 record with a 3.08 ERA in 59 games. He becomes the first Wild Things player acquired directly by the Twins and the 49th in franchise history to advance to affiliated ball.

"Brent developed into one of the most outstanding starters, statistically, that we've had here at ESU," Kochmansky said. "With his physicality and work ethic, it is no surprise that he is thriving at the next level, and we wish him all the best in his journey."

Rounding out ESU's impressive showing, Jeremy Piatkiewicz was selected in the first round of the 2025 Frontier League Draft by the Ottawa Titans. The Fogelsville, PA native played a vital role for the Warriors, appearing in 56 games during the 2024 season and showcasing his defensive prowess alongside a .243 batting average, four home runs, and 36 RBIs. His versatility and experience, as both a player and assistant coach, make him a valuable addition to the Titans as he transitions to the professional ranks.

"Jeremy is one of the best defensive shortstops to ever play at ESU. His instinctual ability and arm strength are what set him apart from other middle infielders," Kochmansky said.

With these athletes advancing into professional baseball, East Stroudsburg University reaffirms its reputation for developing players ready to succeed beyond the collegiate stage. Fans and alumni will undoubtedly be watching as these Warriors take the next step in their careers.