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April 27, 2007

Baseball

Mavs host Demons in three game SLC series

UTA will look to more experienced players to defeat the Demons.

Story by: Sean McNamara

Contributor to The Shorthorn

The Mavericks will host a three-game Southland Conference series against Northwestern State this weekend at Clay Gould Ballpark.

UTA is 11-29 overall and 2-19 in conference, and Northwestern State is tied for second in the SLC East with a 19-22 overall record and 9-8 in conference.

“It’s next to impossible for us to see post-season action,” associate head coach Darin Thomas said. “We would have to win 10 or 11 of the next 12 and have several teams go 2-12.”

The team with the best record in both the East and West divisions of the SLC will earn a spot in the playoffs. The four teams below them with winning records will see action as well.

“We need to play perfect baseball to win,” Thomas said. “The positive is that we always play well against Northwestern.”

Designated hitter Danny Slinkman has stepped up and powered his way to the top spot with a .358 batting average and 19 RBIs.

Shortstop Kyle Rudy has been a dominant force on the team all season and led the team in hitting until recently slipping behind Slinkman. Rudy currently has a .353 batting average and 14 RBIs.

UTA will rely on Rudy and Slinkman to get on base to give first baseman Ben Burum a chance to deliver. Burum has struggled with consistency, hitting only .288 but has come through when needed, leading the team with 24 RBIs.

Dillon Gee and Nathan Long have struggled on the mound this season. When they have been effective, the team has not been able to back them up.

“We need good offense and good defense,” Thomas said. “We have to get hits with runners in scoring position.”

Demons shortstop Brandon Richey poses the greatest threat to the Mavericks, leading his team with a .393 batting average and 27 RBIs. Following behind Richey is right fielder Brett Johnson, who will take the field with a .342 average and 18 RBIs.

“You look at the top two or three guys and make sure you beat them,” Thomas said. “Everybody else you can make come to you and try to beat you.”

UTA knocked Northwestern out of the tournament last season after sweeping the three game series in regular season play.

“It will be a tough weekend, and we have no positive momentum going in,” Thomas said. “But we are excited to play and look forward to it.”