FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball returns to the field this weekend after having its last two weekends postponed due to weather. The Lions will travel to Texas A&M-Kingsville for a three-game series Friday and Saturday.
Friday will feature a single game with a first pitch at 6 p.m. with Saturday's doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Only Friday's game will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network. Live stats for all three games will be available on uafortsmithlions.com.
NOTES:
LAST TIME OUT: The last time the Lions took the field was February 6 against Lubbock Christian. The two teams split the doubleheader the day before, with the Chaps taking the series finale, 6-1.
OFFENSIVE INCONSISTENTCY: In its two wins this season, the Lions have pounded out hits, scoring 10 and 15 runs, respectively. However, in the four losses, the Lions have scored just seven combined runs.
RISP: UAFS is batting .373 with runners in scoring position this season. Additionally, the Lions are batting .769 with a runner on third and less than two outs.
.974: UAFS is second in the LSC with a .974 fielding percentage through its first six games.
AT THE PLATE: Junior first baseman Nolan Riley leads the Lions at the plate with a .368 batting average, while both senior catcher Dylan Hurt and junior shortstop Brenden Williams lead the team with four RBIs.
ON THE MOUND: Freshman left Nico Sharp has been strong out of the bullpen for the Lions, having won both games in relief while posting a 1.42 ERA and six strikeouts.
SCOUTING TAMUK: The Javelinas had their first 12 games of the season postponed, but were able to schedule a series against Texas A&M International last weekend, winning two of three games. Senior outfielder Seth Spinn hit .583 for the weekend with a homer and seven RBIs, while junior infielder Giancarlo Servin hit .400 with three home runs and nine RBIs. On the mound, the Javelinas had a team ERA of 5.25, with junior starter Amado Almanzar tossing five scoreless innings in one of the wins.
THE SERIES: Texas A&M-Kingsville won the only contest between the teams so far, winning 6-1 at the Houston Winter Invitational in 2017.
