Diamond Lions To Host Reddies In Nonconference Twinbill

Courtesy University of Arkansas at Little Rock Athletics Department

After a tough nonconference road series this past weekend, the UAFS Diamond Lions will look to get back on the winning track on Wednesday when they host in-state rival Henderson State in a nonconference baseball game.

First pitch will be 4 p.m. at Crowder Field. Live statistics and webcast will be available.

The game was originally scheduled for April 2 but was rescheduled because of inclement weather.

It will be the second meeting and third and fourth games of the season between the two teams. UAFS split a doubleheader at Henderson State on Feb. 24. The Diamond Lions lost the opener 5-1 and won the second game 4-3.

UAFS (19-17) has lost three games in a row and is coming off a three-game, nonconference series sweep at the hands of McMurry University this past weekend at Walt Driggers Field in Abilene, Texas.

The Diamond Lions are batting 0.241 as a team with seven starters batting 0.250 or better – senior second baseman Ryan Pongonis (0.300), senior third baseman Adam Baker (0.292), junior second baseman Ryan Gros (0.269), senior outfielder Dax Dupire (0.263), senior outfielder Madison Beaird (0.261), senior designated hitter Christian Allen (0.253) and senior catcher Ben Smith (0.252).

UAFS’ pitching staff has compiled a 4.42 ERA with 110 walks and 159 strikeouts over 273 innings. Sophomore right-hander Hasten Freeman (4-2) leads all starters with a 3.00 ERA with 15 walks and 43 strikeouts over 51 innings. He also leads the staff with four saves.

Henderson State, which played at Harding on Tuesday in nonconference action, is batting 0.287 as a team with five starters batting 0.300 or better – senior outfielder Zac Zdanowicz (0.429), freshman outfielder Tadarius Hawkins (0.379), senior infielder/outfielder Michael Corso (0.326), sophomore infielder Carlos Rodriguez (0.322) and designated hitter Dustin Hudson (0.312).

The Reddies pitching staff has compiled a 4.45 ERA with 117 walks and 199 strikeouts over 311 2/3 innings. Right-hander Austin Coble (6-3) leads all starters with a 2.78 ERA with 16 walks and 32 strikeouts over 68 innings. Reliever Jordan Wright (2-1) leads the team with 10 saves.