Baseball begins SLC home slate against Abilene Christian

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi baseball program (12-7, 2-1 Southland) returns to league action against Abilene Christian (9-8, 2-1 Southland) following back-to-back non-conference matchups earlier this week, squaring off with the Wildcats in a three-game series running Friday, Mar. 15 through Sunday, Mar. 17. The Islanders offensive juggernaut continued to churn out strong performances in midweek contests with UTRGV and UMass, moving up to third nationally in batting average (.330 BA) and holding firm at second in total hits (221). Meanwhile, both senior Nick Anderson and junior Itchy Burts have climbed their way into the individual top ten for total hits, posting 29 each on the season thus far and sitting in a tie for sixth nationally.

Series Schedule
Friday, Mar. 15
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. Abilene Christian -- 6 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 16
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. Abilene Christian -- 4 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 17
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. Abilene Christian -- 1 p.m.

Location: Chapman Field | Corpus Christi, Texas
Live Stats: HERE
Live Video: HERE
Tickets: HERE
 

• Scott Malone enters his 12th season leading Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, sporting a 296-336-2 overall record with the Blue & Green.
• The Islanders 30-win season last year serves as Malone's fourth-best overall finish since taking the helm in 2008.
• The team boasts nine seniors: RHP Chad Romere, RHP Chris Glover, OF Nick Anderson, UT Andriud Martinez, INF Enrique Sanchez Jr., OF Thomas Jeffries IV, RHP Tate Gillespie, LHP Dylan Duarte and LHP Cody LeCompte.
• This year's roster is highlighted by 11 newcomers, as senior Dylan Duarte joined the program as a graduate transfer from Alabama, juniors Scott Hastings, Cole Fluta, Tyler Mendoza, Joey Werner and Mike Williams transferred from junior colleges and freshmen Justin Taylor, Mason Hopkins, Hayden Thomas, Dom Lopez and Steven Vejil signed on directly from high school.
• This season's depth chart features 29 players from across the state of Texas and one from each of the following: California, New Jersey, Minnesota, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
• The Islanders were picked 11th in the Southland Conference Preseason Poll.
• Texas A&M-Corpus Christi returns nine of last season's 13 starters, including seniors Nick Anderson, Andriud Martinez, Enrique Sanchez Jr., Thomas Jeffries IV and Tate Gillespie along with juniors Itchy Burts, Drake Osborn, Luke Marbach and Dustin Lacaze.

Promotions Scheduled | Friday, Mar. 15 - Sunday, Mar. 17
 

Friday, Mar. 15 vs. Abilene Christian Chapman Field		Freebie Friday -- National Red Nose Day Discounted Tickets to all fans when you come with a red nose!
Saturday, Mar. 16 vs. Abilene Christian Chapman Field		National Panda Day In-Game Panda look-alike contest where the fans get to vote on their favorite panda! Winner will receive a gift card to Janet's Cakery ($25)! Dollar Day Dollar Hot Dogs!
Sunday, Mar. 17 vs. Abilene Christian Chapman Field		St. Patrick's Day Wear your Islanders Green on Gameday and receive free admission! Izzy's Kids Club Day All kids receive free admission! Izzy's Kids Club Zone -- for Izzy's Kids Club Members!

The five-game home stand continues for the Islanders on Tuesday, Mar. 19 as they rematch UT-Rio Grande Valley in the final round of the South Texas Showdown, first pitch against the Vaqueros scheduled for 6 p.m. at Chapman Field.

For more information on Islanders Baseball, follow the team on Twitter (@IslandersBSB), Instagram (@IslandersBSB) and like their Facebook page (Islanders Baseball).