Bulldog Baseball Opens at North Carolina Central This Weekend

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville baseball season opens the 2012 season on the road this weekend at North Carolina Central with a three-game series. The Bulldogs and Eagles will play Friday at 3 p.m., followed by games on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Asheville is looking to be much improved from last year' injury-riddled squad that finished 15-37 and lost its final 16 games of the year. The Bulldogs return eight starters and 20 lettermen from 2011. Third-year coach Tom Smith is optimistic about the upcoming campaign. Four of Asheville's top six hitters from last year return along with a talented pitching staff.

The Bulldogs will be led at the plate by senior second baseman Jordan Lurie. Lurie hit .339 last season and earned second team all-conference honors from the Big South Conference. Also back is senior infielder Grant Gajdosz (.318, 15 2B, 27 RBI) and senior outfielder Patrick Koontz (.299, 5 HR, 22 RBI) Those three will help anchor the Asheville line-up along with Lurie.

On the mound, senior Ryan Dull (2-6, 4.62 ERA) should be the ace of the staff. Dull pitched better than his numbers showed in 2011. He had three complete games for the Bulldogs in 2012. The senior right-hander will get the start on Friday. Left-hander Drew Spear will get the nod on Saturday, followed by sophomore right-hander Dean Roland on Sunday.

"We had a great fall and the good weather this spring has allowed us to get a lot accomplished," stated Smith. "I like the experience we have back and our young guys are going to get a chance to play well. We believe we've recruited well the past few seasons, and we're looking forward to those young players contributing."

Asheville plays at UNC Greensboro on Tuesday afternoon before returning to Greenwood Field next weekend for the home opener. The Bulldogs face St. Peter's on Feb. 25 and then face the Peacocks the next day in a double-header.