Midweek Contests: Islanders rematch UTRGV, travel to UH-Victoria

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi baseball program (14-8, 4-2 Southland) continues its breakneck schedule pace with another pair of midweek matchups, initially hosting a Tuesday evening contest against rival UT-Rio Grande Valley (13-7, 0-0 WAC) in the final bout of the South Texas Showdown, presented by NavyArmy Community Credit Union. The Islanders offensive surge continued during the Blue & Green's weekend series with Abilene Christian, holding firm at third nationally in batting average (.329 BA) and closing the gap between second and first in total hits (252), now ranking just 14 off NCAA leader New Mexico State. Meanwhile, senior Enrique Sanchez Jr. vaulted up the individual rankings behind 11 hits the past five games, moving up to 35 total on the season and sliding into third nationally.

Opponent: UT-Rio Grande Valley
Date: Tuesday, Mar. 19
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Chapman Field | Corpus Christi, Texas
Live Stats: HERE
Live Video: HERE
Tickets: HERE

VICTORIA, Texas -- After wrapping up the five-game home stand with UTRGV, the Islanders take a short trip north for quick turnaround against Houston-Victoria (12-12, 5-4 RRAC), battling the Jaguars in the opening game of a home-and-home series scheduled for this season. All-time, the Islanders own a commanding 12-2 advantage over UHV, including a two-game sweep of the Jaguars last year.

Opponent: University of Houston-Victoria
Date: Wednesday, Mar. 20
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Riverside Stadium | Victoria, Texas
Live Stats: HERE
 

• Scott Malone enters his 12th season leading Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, sporting a 298-337-2 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 | Tuesday, Mar. 19
 

Tuesday, Mar. 19 vs. UT-Rio Grande Valley Chapman Field

South Texas Showdown -- Presented by NavyArmy Community Credit Union South Texas Showdown T-Shirts Giveaway! Double-Point Night Students will receive double points when they check-in via the Islanders App! Islander App Student Giveaway Restaurant Gift Card Giveaway ($25) -- must have downloaded Islanders App! Taco Tuesday Free tacos for the first 50 fans!

Following the back-to-back of midweek contests, the Islanders jump back on the road for a trio of Southland matchups at Nicholls, traveling north to the Bayou State for a three-game series against the Colonels running from Friday, Mar. 22 through Sunday, Mar. 24.

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