FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball will have to wait an extra day for its 2023 home opener, as its weekend series against Oklahoma Christian was pushed back due to rain and wet field conditions.
The Lions are now slated to host the Eagles for a single game at 3 p.m. Saturday, a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday and a single game at 1 p.m. Monday. All four games will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network as well as broadcast on Fox Sports Radio 103.5. Live stats will be available at uafslions.com.
NOTES:
LAST WEEK: UAFS opened its season with a pair of wins by defeating East Central and Ouachita Baptist at the Dugan Invitational.
POTW: Right-handed pitcher Brayden Johnson tied his own program record with 13 strikeouts in a 6-0 win in which he tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and taking no hitter into the sixth inning. His effort earned him Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Week honors and NCBWA Division II National Pitcher of the Week honors.
ALL-TOURNAMENT: Johnson and shortstop Matt Schilling were named to the Dugan Invitational All-Tournament team. Schilling hit .750 and reached base in nine of his 10 plate appearances. He went 3-for-3 with a homer, three RBIs and three runs scored in a 10-3 win over Ouachita.
BULLPEN: The bullpen allowed just one run over 9.2 innings last weekend while striking out 10.
HOME OPENER: UAFS is 10-3 in home openers at Crowder Field in the NCAA II era.
THE SERIES: UAFS leads the series, 20-18, after splitting four games last season.
SCOUTING OC: The Eagles went 2-2 on opening weekend against UT Tyler. Outfielder Marcus Johnson hit .615 for the Eagles with five RBIs and five runs scored. Starter Naut Kragt earned a win on the mound after tossing seven innings, allowing one run on six hits while striking out five.
