UT Tyler vs. #2 Angelo State UTT: 8-4, 8-4 LSC | ASU: 11-1, 11-1 LSC Friday Feb. 24 - Sunday Feb. 26 Tyler, Texas | Irwin Field at the UT Tyler Ballpark

SCHEDULE

ROSTER

STATS

LAST WEEK OUT
 
Last week's four game set against Lubbock Christian saw the second 2-2 split of three series this season for UT Tyler. The Patriots got their bats rolling early and often in the first two games, plating a total of 29 runs in those two wins. However, the Chaps pitching produced some solid moments in Sunday's doubleheader, and they were able to hold off the Patriots offense while providing their own run support to pull off a split.
 
REGIONAL ATTENTION
 
UT Tyler currently sits seventh in the latest edition of the NCBWA South Central Region Rankings, falling just one spot from their previous mark. In those rankings, Angelo State remains at the top spot ahead of Colorado Mesa and St. Edward's. MSU Denver and West Texas A&M round out the top five spots.
 
GETTING STATISTICAL
 
Following last week's series, the Patriots have several offensive highlights that stand out not only across the LSC but Division II as well. Jordan Gochenour leads the LSC in batting average at .512, and Kaston Mason leads the conference in both OPS and slugging percentage at 1.614 and 1.083, respectively. Austin Ochoa is eighth in average at .442 and second in RBI at 21. On a national level, the Patriots as a team are fifth in Division II in total walks, third in both hits and home runs, and sixth in total runs as a team.
 
WHAT COACH PORCHE HAS TO SAY
 
On last week's series against Lubbock Christian: "Offensively we were able to keep things rolling in the right direction early on in the series. Kind of a different story in the doubleheader yesterday as both of their guys did a good job of neutralizing us offensively and we played out of a hole."
 
On where the team is mentally heading into this weekend: "I think that we're confident in our ability to beat anybody. We just have to play our best baseball. They're good, but I think our guys are going to be ready for that test and it's nice to play them at our place and not their place."
 
 On what practice looks like this week: "At the end of the day we just need reps and put our guys under pressure. Try as best as we can to create or simulate that game situation. The stuff is there for our guys I just think there's a little lack of confidence right now and defensively we are playing a little tight."
 
THE SCOUTING REPORT
 
The Rams will come into Irwin Field at the UT Tyler Ballpark with an 11-1 record with their only loss coming in the series opening game to UT Permian Basin. They are currently second in the LSC in team batting average and first in team ERA.
 
On offense, #12 Angelo State is led by Thomas Cain. Cain ranks third in the LSC in batting average at .484 and has started all 12 games thus far. He holds an OPS of 1.324 while hitting two home runs, driving in 14, and drawing eight walks. On the mound, it is the combination of Kade Bragg and Aaron Munson as they have a combined ERA of 0.50. Bragg has posted an ERA of 0.00 over his three starts and 16.2 innings pitched while striking out 26 batters and issuing 10 walks. Munson holds an ERA of 0.50 over his three starts and 18 innings pitched. He has struck out 25 hitters and issued just two walks.
 
Kevin Brooks is at the helm for the Rams and is in the midst of his 19^th season. Brooks has led the program to five NCAA Division II World Series appearances, eight Lone Star Conference championships, and five South Central Region championships.
 
NEXT UP
 
Following this weekend's big series, the Patriots will hit the road for a long road trip to Laredo, Texas to take on Texas A&M International. That game will be a four game series beginning on March 3 at 2 p.m.