SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University baseball has earned the reputation of being a consistent winner.

Thirty-win seasons and a winning conference record became virtually annual occurrences — but not last year.

The Rock’s 25-25-1 overall record marked the third straight season SRU failed to win at least 30 games. The program had done so in six of the previous seven campaigns.

SRU finished 12-12 in PSAC West play. Only once in Jeff Messer’s 26 years as coach has The Rock finished below .500.

“It was 1994,” Messer recalled. “We were 21-24-1 and that was one of our more talented teams. But we played as a bunch of individuals.

“In recent years, we haven’t been able to stay healthy going into a season, particularly on the mound. But that all seems to be changing this spring.”

The Rock is picked to finish second to Mercyhurst in the PSAC West preseason coaches poll. California, Indiana, Gannon, Lock Haven and Clarion round out the poll’s predicted standings.

Defending national champion West Chester is picked to win the PSAC East and is ranked No. 1 in the preseason regional poll.

“This game is all about pitching and I feel like that’s the strength of our team,” Messer said.

It all starts with 6-foot-5, 235-pound right-hander Lou Trivino, who was 8-3 with a PSAC-leading 1.78 earned run average last year. Sophomore Garrett Peterson, Clarion transfer Mike Dunn (4-2, 3.97), Kyle Schneider and North Allegheny product Anton Constantino may also start games.

North Allegheny graduate Ryan Oglesby returns to the bullpen, where he had seven saves and a 1.84 ERA in 2011.

“We’re going to lose Trivino in the major league draft. That’s pretty much a given,” Messer said. “Twenty-six teams have been in to scout him and 12 teams are doing heavy work on him.

“A frame like that and he can throw 95 or 96 miles per hour ... He’ll be gone. It’s only a question of which round and where.”

The Rock returns five regular position players in second baseman Matt Curtis (.219), catcher/DH Kevin Jovanovich (.269), shortstop Will Kengor (.331, 31 RBI), outfielder Brandon Myers (.282) and first baseman John Shaffer (.295).

“Some of those guys didn’t have the kind of years they expected to offensively and we’re counting on increased production there,” Messer said.

“Kengor will be our No. 3 hitter and was the all-star shortstop in the Cal Ripken League last summer. Shaffer was a two-time All-American at Allegheny before joining us.”

The catching spot will be bolstered by the addition of Ryan LaRose, who hit .357 for junior college Potomac State last year.

Jake Weibley, who hit .361 at Allegheny last spring, will be The Rock’s center fielder and bat in the lead-off spot.

“He brings us a lot opf speed,” Messer said. “We’re going to be more of a gap-to-gap hitting team than sheer power. You’re going to see most college teams take that approach since they went to the new bats.”

SRU opens the season Feb. 23 against Tiffin at VA Memorial Stadium in Chillicothe, Ohio. The Rock has 19 games scheduled before its March 24 home opener against Lock Haven at Critchfield Park.

“Our league will be tough again,” Messer said. “Mercyhurst is loaded with pitching. They have 12 guys who can throw 85 or better.

“California is always solid and their top four pitchers are back. IUP and Gannon will be strong as well.

“We need to play to our capabilities and a few of our guys are primed for break-out years offensively.”