Series Info.	Opponent Info.
UT Tyler vs. #17 Angelo State UTT: 6-6, 6-6 LSC | ASU: 8-4, 8-4 LSC Friday, Feb. 23rd | 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24th | 1 p.m. (DH) Sunday, Feb. 25th | 1 p.m. San Angelo, Texas		SCHEDULE	ROSTER	STATS

LAST TIME OUT
 
The Patriots put together their third consecutive series split to open up the 2024 season as they finished off their home series against Lubbock Christian 2-2. The Patriots would claim both of the opening two games of the series behind dominant pitching and timely hitting. However, the Chaps would battle themselves back, holding off the Patriots hitters on their way to taking the last two games.
 
REGIONAL ATTENTION
 
With the second edition of the NCBWA South Central Regional rankings released on Monday, the Patriots continue to be ranked number eight. This week sees West Texas A&M take over the top spot and amassing seven of the eight first place votes. Colorado Mesa rolls in at number two, while Angelo State now sits at number three.
 
WHAT COACH PORCHE IS SAYING
 
On the weekend series: "Every game was competitive and we had a chance to win every game. That's where you want to be, especially against a team like Lubbock Christian. We had a bunch of opportunites to score all weekend but just couldn't get the job done offensively. A lot of positives from the weekend, and we are starting to figure out what the mix needs to be for the lineup.
 
On the series against Angelo State: "They're the mark that everyone is trying to get to. As time has gone on, our guys have really embraced the challenge of facing them. Obviously they do some things really well and playing on the road will be a challenge. We're excited about the challenge and hopefully we can play our best baseball and let the cards fall the way they fall."
 
PATRIOTS NOTES AND TRENDS
 

• UT Tyler finished the 2023 season 39-19 overall and 34-14 in LSC play on the way to finishing 3^rd in the LSC and making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the Division II era.
• The Patriots defended Irwin Field in huge way last season, going 22-5 in games at home. Going back to their first season of Division II eligibility (2022), the Patriots are now 41-18 inside Irwin Field.
• Head Coach Brent Porche enters his eighth season with UT Tyler and holds a record of 221-105 with the Patriots. He holds a career record of 368-188 in his 11 total seasons.
• The Patriots will return several key contributors to the 2023 season, including All-Americans Garrett Arredondo and Dylan Blomquist, as well as All-Region nods Lane Hutchinson and Austin Ochoa. LSC Freshman of the Year Kaston Mason makes his return, as well as All-LSC nods Ethan Bedgood and Miles Clack.
• For the Patriots offense, they are led so far by Lane Hutchinson, who is hitting .349 with six doubles and a home run while driving home 11 total runs and scoring eight. Right behind him is Ethan Bedgood, who has his average up to .333 with three doubles and seven RBI on the year.
• The pitching department sees the lefty arm of Dylan Blomquist leading the starters. He has compiled a 4.15 ERA over three starts and has a 1-0 record. He has thrown 13 total innings and allowed just six runs while striking out nine hitters. Out of the bullpen, six different Pitchers have thrown at least four innings while posting an ERA below three. Those are led by Nick Niebur, Josh Pelfrey, and Bryson Adair. That trio has not allowed a run this season and have combined for 21 strikeouts over 18.1 innings pitched.

 
RAMS NOTES AND TRENDS
 

• Angelo State holds a record of 8-4 on the season. They are a perfect 4-0 at home and 4-4 on the road thus far.
• As a team, the Rams are hitting .319 on the year with 56 total extra base hits, an on-base percentage of .463, and a slugging percentage of .558.
• Leading that charge is Tripp Clark, who is batting .452 on the year with two doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 19 RBI. He is slugging .881 and is getting on base at a .520 clip thus far.
• As a pitching staff, the Rams hold an ERA of 3.88 and are holding opposing hitters to a .251 average. Leading that staff is Braxton Pearson, who holds a 2.29 ERA over 19.2 innings pitched and a 1-1 record. He has 24 strikeouts to just one walk and his opponents are hitting .186.
• The Rams are led by Kevin Brooks, who is in his 20^th season of his coaching career. He has spent all 20 seasons with Angelo State and has compiled a record of 750-337 and most recently guided the team to the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship.