University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldog Baseball Hosts VMI on Friday and Saturday
04.01.2010 | Baseball
Asheville (8-14, 2-4 BSC) won its first conference series in two years when the Bulldogs captured two games against Liberty last weekend at Greenwood Field. The Dogs hope to continue their winning ways against the Keydets. However, it won't be easy against a talented VMI club. The Keydets are 20-5 on the year and 4-2 in league play. They began the year by going 18-1.
"VMI can really hit the ball and is a very good team," stated Asheville coach Tom Smith.
"They've beaten some good teams to start the season. We're going to have to play extremely well to have a chance at winning this weekend."
Asheville's pitching has come on the past week. The Bulldog staff has allowed just four or less runs in four of the last five games. Asheville picked up a shutout at Furman on Wednesday evening as three pitchers combined for a 3-0 shutout.
"We're doing a better job pitching and when you do that you give yourself a chance to win," commented Smith. "Our pitching staff is going to have a challenge this weekend with VMI."
Freshman catcher Ian Graham leads Asheville in hitting with a .342 average, while rookie second baseman is second with a .333 mark. Junior outfielder Danny Baatz is tied for the team lead in homers (3) and tops the club in RBI (15). Senior first baseman Justin Schumer has three homers and is second in RBI with 14.
For ticket information, contact the UNC Asheville Ticket Office at 828-251-6904.
NOTES
UNC Asheville leads the Big South in fielding with a .978 mark and has gone errorless in 10 games this year...the Bulldogs have four saves on the year from four different players...sophomore right-hander Ryan Dull had both a save and a win last weekend against Liberty...the series is tied at nine wins each but VMI has won the last three series against Asheville.
