FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball begins Lone Star Conference Tournament play this weekend when it travels to Angelo State May 14-15 for the opening round.
First pitch for the opening game of the series is at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Game two will start at 1 p.m. Saturday, with an if necessary game three following game two. The winner of the best of three series advances to the semifinals, held at the highest remaining seed May 20-22.
The entire series will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network, with fans able to purchase a daily pass for $10 that will provide access for 24 hours. Live stats will also be available at uafortsmithlions.com.
NOTES:
LAST TIME OUT: The Lions last played April 26, when they dropped the finale of a three-game series to Oklahoma Christian. UAFS had one game one of the series, 12-9 before falling in the final two games by one run.
THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM: UAFS was originally scheduled to play at Angelo State in February, but those games were postponed due to weather. They were rescheduled for the final week of the regular season but were canceled due to COVID protocols. The teams will finally meet in postseason play.
RUNNER ON 3RD: UAFS has driven in a runner from third with less than two outs at success rate of 73.5 percent, compared to just 59.2 percent for opponents. First baseman Nolan Riley is 12-for-12 in driving in a run in this situation while catcher Dylan Hurt has been successful in 11 of 13 tries.
7th HEAVEN: The best inning for the Lions this season has been the seventh inning, as they have outscored their opponents 31-12 in the frame.
AT THE PLATE: Third baseman Brooks Sunny continues to lead the Lions with a .337 batting average and six home runs. He is second on the team with 23 RBIs, behind catcher Dylan Hurt, who has 24. Hurt is batting .314 with two homers, as well. Left fielder Logan Easley has been hot at the plate, raising his average to .319 with four homers and 21 RBIs.
ON THE MOUND: Nico Sharp is in the top 10 among league leaders in wins (6) and ERA (3.94). He has totaled 28 strikeouts in 45.2 innings. Jakob Petross has posted a 2.79 ERA in 29.0 innings out of the bullpen.
SCOUTING ASU: The Rams completed the regular season 34-6, 25-5 LSC and ranked ninth in the country. They lead the league in batting average, runs and ERA. Starters Trent Baker and Benjamin Elder have combined to go 19-2 with each having an ERA under 2.00. Infielder Aaron Walters is batting .426 with six homers and 45 RBIs while outfielder Josh Elvir is batting .399 with 11 homers and 47 RBIs.
THE SERIES: Angelo State won the only meeting between the two teams, 11-6, back in 2017.
