CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi baseball team prepares to take on the Vaqueros for the second time this season in the South Texas Showdown, this time at Chapman Field tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.
"UTRGV always plays us well and the trip down there can be hard," said head coach
Scott Malone about the rematch. "Now it flips around and we get them at home. It's always big when you play them and it's a rivalry game and a team you want to beat."
Throughout the history of the two programs, the Islanders continue to hold a 47-45 series lead, looking to extend it another game. The Islanders are coming off of an extra-inning 8-5 victory in last midweek's game against Prairie View A&M on the road and a weekend series against New Orleans. The road trip ended in a 2-2 record and will be the last road trip until mid-May, starting an eight-game homestand.
Sophomore
Diego Johnson had an explosive return against New Orleans after being sidelined with an injury, going a perfect four-for-four behind the plate with two runs, RBIs and and a walk. Half of his hits were doubles, extending the Islanders' lead in the conference in extra-base hits.
"I think the biggest thing with Johnson is he's a guys who plays the game with confidence and he gets hot," continued Malone. "He can change the course of the game like he did on Saturday. We need him to play good third base and help button down our defense there."
Senior
Steven Rivera-Chijin currently sits first in the conference and 15th in the nation at 17 doubles hit thus far this season. He leads the team in extra-base hits at 21 having one triple and three home runs as well.
After the matchup, A&M-Corpus Christi resumes conference play by hosting McNeese this weekend at Chapman Field with the first game at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
Stay Social
For more information on Islanders Baseball, follow the team on Twitter (
@IslandersBSB), Instagram (
@IslandersBSB) and like their Facebook page (
Islanders Baseball).
#ShakasUp
