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Wednesday, 22 February 2012 21:18 |
 Junior catcher Gabe Dimock bunts a ball during practice on Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium. The baseball team currently holds a 2-1 record and will play No. 8 LSU this weekend. Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian
The ASU baseball team will face a tough battle in Baton Rouge Friday, against No. 7 LSU.
The Mountaineers will travel to Alex Box Stadium for a three-game set against the powerhouse SEC team, which is 3-0 and has outscored opponents 33-2.
But the Mountaineers are excited to test their roster against the talented Tigers.
“It’s going to really show the heart of our club and where we’re at all through the ball club,” junior outfielder Tyler Zupcic said. “It’s early, but it’s going to be a test for us.”
Seth Grant and Rob Marcello pitched well last weekend, starting the season off 2-1. Grant started the season striking out eight, without allowing an earned run in six scoreless innings. Marcello secured a win in five scoreless innings.
This weekend, the Mountaineers will keep the same lineup, starting with Grant on Friday, senior Ryan Arrowood Saturday and Marcello Sunday.
Pitching matchups will be key, as Appalachian will likely have to face pitcher Kevin Gausman - a preseason all-American ranked No. 4 by Baseball America.
Still, team members are confident in their abilities after last weekend’s matchups against George Mason and Akron. Expectations are high for LSU.
“Our guys are starting to come around after the first weekend and really feeding the ball,” junior pitcher Will Callaway said. “I think, as a whole, our club will be more prepared for LSU than we were for George Mason this weekend.”
The series will kick off Friday at 7 p.m.
Story: LAUREN OSBORNE, Intern Sports Reporter
Photo: OLIVIA WILKES, Photo Editor |
