FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball will look to win its fourth consecutive series this weekend when the Lions visit UT Tyler for a three-game Lone Star Conference series.
The series will consist of one game Friday and a doubleheader Saturday. Friday's first pitch has been moved up to 1 p.m. due to weather that evening, while Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m., as well.
All three games will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network with live stats available at uafortsmithlions.com.
NOTES:
LAST WEEK: UAFS took two of three from UT Permian Basin at Crowder Field last weekend. The Lions won 9-1 and 25-3 before falling in the finale, 5-4.
RECORD OFFENSE: The Lions scored a program record 25 runs in the game two win over the Falcons last weekend. UAFS collected only 12 hits, but had 19 walks and another five batters reach via a hit by pitch. The 25 runs are the most since scoring 21 in 2011, also against UTPB.
WALK THIS WAY: The 19 walks issued by Falcon pitchers is also a new program record for the Lions. UAFS previously drew 14 walks against Missouri Western State in 2017.
STREAKING: Two Lion hitters currently have double-digit hitting streaks. Second baseman Morgan Crenshaw is on a 15-game hitting streak and catcher Dylan Hurt is on a 10-game hitting streak. Crenshaw, Hurt, first baseman Nolan Riley and third baseman Brooks Sunny all have current reached base streaks of 10 or more.
AT THE PLATE: Catcher Dylan Hurt hit his first homer of the season last week and leads the team with a .326 average and 21 RBIs. Third baseman Brooks Sunny is batting .292 with four homers and 16 RBIs after hitting a grand slam last weekend.
ON THE MOUND: It's a family affair on the mound for the Lions, as twins Lukas Petross and Jakob Petross lead the Lions in ERA. Lukas has posted a 1.57 ERA in 23.0 innings while Jakob has a 2.01 ERA in 22.1 innings. Lefty Nico Sharp is 5-1 on the year for the Lions.
SCOUTING UTT: The Patriots are third in the LSC at 18-8, 17-7 LSC and have won eight of their last 10 games. Outfielder Riley Jepson leads the Patriots at the plate with a .344 batting average to go with five homers and 28 RBIs. Relievers Nathan Holmes have sub 2.00 ERAs out of the bullpen while starter Jacob Blatney is 3-0 in seven starts with a 3.38 ERA and 37 strikeouts.
THE SERIES: UT Tyler leads the all-time series, 2-1, after winning the series in 2020 in the first ever meeting between the teams.
