LAREDO, Texas (Baseball) – Sunday afternoon baseball comes to you from Unitrade Stadium in Laredo Feb. 26 as No. 19/RV Texas A&M University-Kingsville (6-0) ends the month with a doubleheader at Texas A&M International University (3-4) at 1 p.m.
The series was altered as the Border Olympics canceled Saturday's series opener. The clubs will play two Sunday and later in the season, the Dustdevils will head to Kingsville to face the Javelinas at Nolan Ryan Field.
FIRST PITCH
Right-hander Seth Hubert was named the Lone Star Conference (LSC) and National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Association (NCBWA) South Central Region Pitcher of the Week following 8.0 shutout innings in the 4-1 victory over #RV/RV Chico State University in the Houston Winter Invitational. Hubert allowed just one hit and punched out five in the win, improving to 2-0 on the year.
In his two starts, he has 13 strikeouts in 14.0 innings of work, allowing just two hits.
Isaiah Lybarger was credited with the no-decision in game two at Minute Maid Park despite following Hubert's performance with 6.0 shutout innings. The right-hander struck out nine University of Arkansas-Fort Smith batters. On the year, Lybarger has 13 strikeouts in 8.0 innings and has allowed just four hits. Sebi Palacios has one start and has appeared in three total ballgames, posting a 1-0 win-loss record. The big fella Hunter Perkins has six strikeouts in 4.1 innings – his lone appearance being a no-decision start versus Wiley College – and Tyler Crouch picked up a 2.0 inning save in Saturday's 6-1 win over UAFS. The squad boasts a team ERA of 1.31.
PATIENCE AT THE PLATE
Leading the club with a .538 batting average is junior backstop Christian Caudle. The catcher has seven RBI, scored eight runs and is a perfect 3-for-3 on stolen base opportunities, however, his plate discipline has been impressive as Caudle has picked up 11 walks in six games. An on-base percentage of .750, Caudle has reached base safely in nine consecutive games dating back to last season.
Pablo Hernandez is hitting .455 with four doubles and nine RBI with second baseman Joshua Croft following with a .421 clip, four doubles and seven RBI. Dallas Stefano and Alex Gonzalez are both hitting .400 with Stefano's long ball being the lone home run of the season for TAMUK. Levi Zents is over the .300 mark but his defense at the hot corner has been the story thus far, with the senior transfer making a highlight reel catch in Sunday's 14-4 victory over #RV St. Mary's University.
ABOUT THE DUSTDEVILS
Alexander Cabezas leads the team with a .412 batting average with a home run. Sergio Pollorena has two long balls and six ribbies. The team is hitting .286 but the rotation has compiled a 5.86 ERA.
ALL-TIME SERIES
The Javelinas lead the all-time series 17-8. Last season, the Hogs won all four matchups, including a 14-6 victory in Laredo.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the six-time Lone Star Conference champions on Twitter (@JavelinaBSB) and Instagram (@JavelinaBSB), and like the /JavelinaBSB Facebook page.
