Baseball Inks Seven for 2024

Omaha, Neb. -- Creighton Baseball announced the signing of seven new Bluejays for the 2024 season. Jackson Brenna (Waddell, Ariz.), Connor Capece (Omaha, Neb.), Braden Gluth (Santa Teresa, N.M.), Blaine Harpenau (Remsen, Iowa), Eli Nissen (Minot, N.D.), Andrew Rakow (Brooklyn Park, Minn.), and Shea Wendt (Blair, Neb.) will join head coach Ed Servais' squad in 2024.

"A priority for this class was adding to our talent on the mound, both experienced arms and young talent," said Servais. "While we're not finished just yet, we like where this class puts us."

Brenna is a left-handed pitcher transferring from Paradise Valley Community College in Arizona. Jackson started 14 games in his freshman season with the Pumas, logging 67.1 innings with 73 strikeouts, leading his team in both categories last year.

"Jackson has some swing and miss stuff, is athletic and will bring more balance to our staff," noted Servais. "He'll have an opportunity to be in our rotation next year."

An Omaha Gross Catholic High School senior, Capece is a local commit for the Bluejays. Connor is the second ranked catcher in Nebraska according to Prep Baseball Report. Capece is the top two-way player, and the fourth best player in the state according to Perfect Game. Last season Connor was a First Team All-State pick, hitting .545 with a .600 OBP and 38 RBIs in the spring, also posting a 0.80 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 24 innings on the bump.

"Connor has tremendous power both with his arm and at the plate, which gives him a chance to get on the field immediately," said Servais.

Another transfer from the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference, Gluth is a right-handed pitcher out of Eastern Arizona College. Last season Braden started eleven games for the Monsters, racking up 64 strikeouts in 54 innings.

"Braden has a power arm that we feel will bring experience to this group of pitchers," added Servais. "That combination should bring immediate contributions to our team."

A righty who spent last season at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, Harpenau posted a 6-3 record with two complete games and 55 strikeouts in 48 innings. In high school at Remsen St. Mary's, Blaine tallied over 500 career strikeouts, over 50 career wins, and was Iowa 1A First Team All-State all four years.

"Blaine began pitching for his high school as an eighth grader, he has great competitive fire to pair with his experience," said Servais. "We project him to have the opportunity to break into the rotation."

Nissen is the second southpaw commit for Creighton's pitching staff. In his junior season Eli notched 31 strikeouts in 13.2 innings with just one walk while not allowing any runs. In a summer ball season with a FTB Phillies scout team out of Florida, the North Dakotan recorded 20 strikeouts in 14 innings with a 2.00 ERA.

"A left hander who can throw with some velocity, Eli showed significant development last season," said Servais. "He is a strike thrower, which is a prerequisite for our team."

A southpaw with a three-pitch mix, Rakow pitched in the summer with former Creighton volunteer Paul Weidner. The Minnesota native is projected as another option in the rotation.

"It was a priority to bring in left-handed options in this class, but still players that fit the Creighton mold," said Servais. "Andrew is a bulldog on the mound that pounds the zone."

Another local two-way player, Wendt is a right-handed pitcher and infielder out of Blair High School. Shea is ranked as the fifth overall player in Nebraska according to Prep Baseball Report and sixth best in the state according to Perfect Game.

"Shea is a very athletic right-handed pitcher with a power arm and productive bat," noted Servais. "He will have a chance to contribute both in the field and on the mound."

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