FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball will toss the first pitch of its 2025 season Friday as the Lions get set to take part in the Mike Dugan Invitational January 31 to February 2 at Majestic Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The Lions will open their season against Ouachita Baptist Friday at 1 p.m. followed by a 1 p.m. game Saturday against Southern Arkansas. While the first two games will be at Majestic Park, Sunday's game will be at Henderson State at noon against the host Reddies.
The games will be live streamed through Live Barn, where fans can use the promo code Maje-stic when signing up for a 10 percent discount. Once an account is created, search for Majestic Park, then click on the logo and select Babe Ruth Field. Live stats will also be available at uafortsmithlions.com.
NOTES:
LAST SEASON: UAFS finished 26-28 overall, making a run to the semifinals of the Lone Star Conference championship.
SEASON OPENER: UAFS has won its last 13 season openers.
DUGAN INVITATIONAL: This will the Lions' second appearance in the Dugan Invitational. They went 2-0 in 2023, defeating East Central and Ouachita Baptist.
PRESEASON POLL: The MIAA released its preseason poll Thursday, with the Lions being picked 10th by the league's head coaches. The entire poll can be found here.
TOP RETURNERS: Brayden Ross highlights the Lions pitching staff after earning Second Team NCBWA South Central All-Region selection in 2024 while infielders Noah Davis and Nico Patrick return to lead the offense. The duo combined for 15 homers and 104 RBIs a season ago.
SCOUTING OBU: The Tigers went 28-23 last year with Third Team Preseason All-America pitcher Chase Oberle leading the pitching staff. Catcher Joe Bolin is the top returning hitter after hitting .313 with six homers and 30 RBIs in 2024.
SCOUTING SAU: The Muleriders went 30-20 a season ago and return Second Team All-GAC outfielder Trace Shoup, who hit .349 with eight homers and 34 RBIs last year. Pitcher Jeremy Adorno is a three-time All-GAC selection.
SCOUTING HSU: The Reddies finished 27-23 last season and feature Second Team All-GAC pitcher Reese Weaks. Infielder Luke Rice is the op returner after hitting .347 with 38 RBIs last season.
THE SERIES: UAFS is 7-6 all-time against the Tigers, 0-2 versus Southern Arkansas and 11-5 against Henderson State.
HEAD COACH: Todd Holland enters his 11th season leading the Lions with a 229-222 record at UAFS.
