Off to a 10-2 overall start and 2-1 in Gulf South Conference play, the Flames host Delta State in an early GSC showdown. The Statesmen are also 2-1 against conference competition after winning 2-of-3 at West Florida last weekend. Today's doubleheader will open with a 2 p.m. first pitch and Sunday's single game will get underway at 1 p.m.
CHECKING OUT THE STATESMEN
Delta State is coached by Mike Kinnison, who is in the midst of his 21st season. Tre Hobbs is a veteran hurler who is expected to get a start in one of the three contests. Zack Shannon is leading the Statesmen hitting attack. He is batting .410 with a pair of doubles and 10 RBI. Emil Ellis stands at .359 with a homer and double. Jason Popovich carries a .349 average with a homer and a triple, while Brian Lane rounds out the Delta hitters with a .316 average including a home run and a double.
FLAMES SWINGING HOT BATS
Senior Geremy Walton is hitting .413 to pace the Flames at the dish. He's scored a team-high 12 runs and also leads the Flames with 12 RBI and four homers. He will carry a .455 on-base percentage into the series. Jordan Howard follows close behind with a .412 average. He has a homer, triple and two doubles. His on-base percentage is .511. Spencer Mossburg has made the best of his .333 average. He's blasted three round-trippers, three doubles and has driven in 11 runs. Miguel Pimentel has a special knack of getting on base and holds a .381 batting average. Nate Wierzgac is hitting a solid .333 and Tyler Payne leads the Flames with nine walks and has scored 10 runs.
PITCHING IS ALWAYS A KEY
Coach Mark Brew beefed up the Lee pitching staff during the off season and it has paid early season dividends. Veteran Art Vidrio (3-0) is off to a quick start with a 2.12 ERA. In 17 innings he has struck out 12 and walked three. Jumpei Akanuma and Wes Albert have also drawn starting assignments. However, it is the bullpen that has been impressive. Lefty Corbin Lamb is off to a 3-0 start with a 0.90 ERA over 10 innings. Jay Prior is 1-0 and has not allowed an earned run in 9.1 innings. Kit Larson has been called on for five saves. He has a 1.35 ERA with eight strikeouts and one walk over 6.2 innings. Joe Parete has also been solid with a 1.23 ERA in 7.1 innings. He has eight Ks and walked only three. Michael Ray has stepped up for the Flames and has an impressive 1.17 ERA with seven strikeouts, one walk in 7.2 innings.
COACH MARK BREW'S COMMENTS
"Delta State will bring another huge GSC challenge for our team. They are one of the most storied programs in NCAA Division II and Coach Kinnison does an excellent job with the program. Â Tre Hobbs (GSC and Region Pitcher of the Year) gives them a bona fide returning No. 1 pitcher, but they have a lot of new faces in the lineup and on the mound. However, it hasn't affected them as they are off to a great start. I like the way we have been playing and preparing thus far and it's a great opportunity for us to take another step forward in this always tough league."
