FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball will host Lubbock Christian this weekend in its home opening series, with a double header Friday and a single game Saturday at Crowder Field.
First pitch Friday is 1 p.m. with game two to follow approximately 30 minutes after game one. Saturday also features a 1 p.m. start time.
Seating will be limited to approximately 150 spectators due to NCAA COVID-19 protocols. No seating will be allowed in the bleachers. Terrace seating will be social distance, and a lawn chair is recommended. Masks are required for entry, but may be removed when seated and socially distant. No concession stand will be available.
All three games this weekend will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network. Live stats will be available at uafortsmithlions.com
NOTES:
LAST WEEK: UAFS played in the Houston Winter Invitational at Minute Maid Park last weekend to open the season, going 1-2. The Lions defeated Central Missouri, 10-4, and lost to Lubbock Christian and St. Mary's, 9-3 and 6-3, respectively.
SEASON OPENING UPSET: Central Missouri was ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, while the Lions were receiving votes in that poll. UAFS handed the Mules their only loss of the weekend Friday night in Houston.
WE MEET AGAIN: The Lions faced this weekend's opponent, Lubbock Christian, last Saturday at Minute Maid Park. The Chaps won the nonconference matchup, 9-3.
AT THE PLATE: Junior first baseman Nolan Riley and junior outfielder Hunter Church each batted .500 over the weekend. Riley had two RBIs and tied for the team lead with three runs scored. Junior outfielder Tristan Kalina led the team with three RBIs.
ON THE MOUND: Freshman Nico Sharp picked up the win on the mound for the Lions in the win over UCM, tossing two scoreless innings in relief. In two games, he pitched 3.1 innings, allowing four hits while striking out four. In his start against St. Mary's, freshman hurler Trevor Johnson struck out six in 3.2 innings.
SEASON OPENERS: With the win over UCM, the Lions have now won their past 10 season openers.
HOME OPENERS: UAFS is 9-2 in home openers as an NCAA II member. UAFS had won six in a row from 2014-19 before falling 8-4 to UT Tyler last season.
SCOUTING LCU: The Chaps have hit six home runs on the season already, including three against the Lions last week. LCU went 1-2 in Houston. First baseman Nolan Machibroda leads the lineup with a .375 batting average with two home runs and four RBIs. On the mound, lefty Armando Valle started against UAFS last week, tossing 4.1 innings, and the Lions should expect to face him again this weekend.
THE SERIES: UAFS trails LCU 14-6 in the all-time series, with the Chaps winning eight of the last nine meetings.
