The Eastern New Mexico University baseball team (24-10, 2-4 LSC) welcomes Tarleton State (18-14, 1-6 LSC) to the friendly confines of Greyhound Field for a four-game Lone Star Conference tilt. The Greyhounds are coming off a split with Cameron this past weekend in Lawton, Okla.

On Friday, the Green and Silver aim to “Pink Out” Greyhound Field in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer. Additionally, the first 20 ENMU students in pink will receive a free gift card.

Offensively, the Greyhounds have showed a disciplined approach at the plate to lead the Lone Star Conference in a number of statistical categories. ENMU leads the LSC in runs, hits, RBI, total bases, walks, hit-by-pitch and ranks second in on-base percentage and fielding percentage. As a team, ENMU is hitting at a .328 clip and outscoring opponents, 293-123.

Infielder Alex DeLaCruz is hitting at a .447 clip, the second highest total in the LSC while leading the conference in runs, hits, total bases and stolen bases. Additionally, the second baseman ranks in the top five in doubles (fourth), slugging percentage (fourth), on-base percentage (fourth), home runs (fifth) and RBI (fifth). Outfielder Michael McNicholl leads the club with six home runs and 46 RBI while hitting .376 on the season.

Eastern has been equally as strong on the mound this season, combining for a team ERA of 3.58. Starting pitching has been dominant for the Hounds, led by reining Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Week, Keenan Dodd with a 5-1 record and a 1.89 ERA. Scott Klein (4-2, 4.30 ERA) and Austin Paisar (3-2, 2.70 ERA) are also expected to earn starts in this weekend’s matchup. Dodd has surrendered the second-fewest hits and second lowest batting average against in the conference among starting pitchers.

Relievers have shut the opposition down through the first half of the season. Out of the bullpen, opponents are hitting just .214 against ENMU relievers with a 3.00 ERA. Victor Persad (0-0, 1.84 ERA, 2 Sv.), Dwight Velarde (2-1, 3.15 ERA, 2 Sv.), Enrique Perez (2-0, 3.10 ERA) and Nick DeArmond (3-1, 3.29 ERA) all have strong numbers out of the ‘pen for the Hounds.

Scouting Tarleton
The Texans enter the weekend with an 18-14 record overall and a 1-6 mark in conference.  Dylan Lemons, the LSC leader in home runs, brings along a .337 average with nine long balls and 29 RBI. Blake Adams trails only his teammate in round-trippers with a .333 average and eight dingers. On the mound, Nathan Hickey (4-2, 2.52 ERA) has led all starters for the Texans while Eddie Avila (0-0, 1.00 ERA, 4 Sv.) has been the top reliever out of the bullpen.

Next weekend, the Hounds make the hike to Kingsville, Texas for a matchup with the Javelinas. For all the latest news on ENMU athletics, follow @ENMUBaseball and @ENMUAthletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

-Eastern New Mexico University-
Baseball
Will Edwards