2007 ARKANSAS STATE BASEBALL

Transcription

1 2007 ARKANSAS STATE BASEBALL Van Provence Assistant SID (cell) (fax) 2007 Schedule Date Opponent Time Feb. 16 at Samford L 1-6 Feb. 17 at Samford L 0-2 Feb. 18 at Samford W 7-5 Feb. 20 at Central Arkansas 1:00pm Feb. 23 #Creighton 1:00pm Feb. 24 #Northwestern 1:00pm Feb. 25 #Lamar 3:00pm Feb. 28 at Murray State 2:00pm March 3 Bradley(DH) 1:00pm March. 4 Bradley 1:00pm March 6 Southeast Missouri State 6:00pm March 7 Jackson State 6:00pm March 9 *New Orleans 6:00pm March 10 *New Orleans 6:00pm March 11 *New Orleans 1:00pm March 13 Ole Miss 6:00pm March 14 Murray State 6:00pm March 16 at *South Alabama 6:00pm March 17 at *South Alabama 2:00pm March 18 at *South Alabama 1:00pm March 20 Missouri State 6:00pm March 21 Missouri State 4:00pm March 23 *Middle Tennessee State 6:00pm March 24 *Middle Tennessee State 6:00pm March 25 *Middle Tennessee State 1:00pm March 27 at UT-Martin 2:00pm March 30 at *Florida Atlantic 7:00pm March 31 at *Florida Atlantic 7:00pm April 1 at *Florida Atlantic 1:00pm April 3 at Ole Miss 6:30pm April 6 *Florida International 6:00pm April 7 *Florida International 6:00pm April 8 *Florida International 1:00pm April 10 at Oklahoma State` 6:30pm April 11 a Oklahoma State 3:00pm April 13 at *Western Kentucky 6:00pm April 14 at *Western Kentucky 3:00pm April 15 at *Western Kentucky 1:00pm April 17 Tennessee-Martin 6:00pm April 18 Central Arkansas 6:00pm April 20 *Troy 6:00pm April 21 *Troy 6:00pm April 22 *Troy 1:00pm April 27 at *Louisiana-Lafayette 6:30pm April 28 at *Louisiana-Lafayette 2:00pm April 29 at *Louisiana-Lafayette 1:00pm May 2 at Southeast Missouri State 6:30pm May 8 Memphis 6:00pm May 9 at Memphis 6:30pm May 11 *Louisiana-Monroe 6:00pm May 12 *Louisiana-Monroe 6:00pm May 13 *Louisiana-Monroe 1:00pm May 17 at *Arkansas-Little Rock 6:00pm May 18 at *Arkansas-Little Rock 6:00pm May 19 at *Arkansas-Little Rock 2:00pm May Sun Belt Tournament TBA *Sun Belt Conference games # Lamar Cardinal Classic at Beaumont, TX Probable Starters Arkansas State Pete Pasternak Jr., RHP (0-0) Central Arkansas Matt Whitaker Jr, RHP (0-0) GAME 4 ASU INDIANS (1-2) vs. CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEARS (1-3) Feb. 20 Conway, Arkansas UCA Field 1:00 p.m. Radio: KJCF FM Audio Streaming: ASUIndians.com ON TAP: The Arkansas State University Indians travel to Conway, Ark. to take on the University of Central Arkansas Bears in a 1:00 p.m. matchup at UCA Field. THE PRINCIPALS: ASU is 1-2 on the season after last weekend s threegame series at Samford. After dropping the first two games in Birmingham, the Indians rallied for two runs in the ninth inning to defeat the Bulldogs 7-5 in Game 3. UCA opened the season with a pair of losses at UALR Feb. 9 & 10, then picked up a win over the Trojans when UALR visited Conway Feb. 11. UCA fell to 1-3 when the Bears traveled to Clarksville, Tenn., Feb. 18 and dropped a 10-2 decision to Austin Peay. THE SERIES: This is the first meeting between the two schools since ASU holds a 13-6 advantage in the series, including a 13-2 victory in the last meeting between the two programs. YATES TABBED PRE-SEASON ALL-AMERICA: Senior Josh Yates was named a pre-season All-America pick by the Louisville Slugger TPX 2007 team, chosen by Collegiate Baseball. Yates quickly became one of the most decorated players in the history of ASU baseball last season, becoming the first player in school history to be named an All-American by two organizations - Collegiate Baseball and the American Baseball Coaches Association. He hit.376 with 23 doubles, 13 home runs and had 62 RBI in 2006, and also posted a.716 slugging percentage and a.431 on base percentage. He also stole six bases. Yates was also named first team All-Sun Belt and First Team All-South Central Region following last year s stellar campaign. YATES NAMED TO PRE-SEA- SON ALL-SUN BELT TEAM: Josh Yates was the lone Indian baseball player named to the pre-season All- Sun Belt team. Yates was an All-Sun Belt pick last season after hitting.376 with 23 doubles, 13 home runs and 62 RBI. The senior from San Antonio, Texas, was also named an All-American by two organizations last season and was named to the All-South Central Region team as well. INDIANS PICKED TO FINISH 8TH IN SUN BELT POLL: ASU was picked to finish 8th in the 11-team Sun Belt Conference in a poll voted on by the league s coaches. Troy, last year s regular season champion, was picked first in the poll, followed by Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama, newcomer Florida Atlantic and Florida International. Middle Tennessee State was

2 ASU Quick Facts Location Jonesboro, Ark. Founded Enrollment Nickname Indians Colors Scarlet & Black Mascot Indian Family Spirit Character Red Affiliation NCAA Division 1 Conference Sun Belt President Dr. Les Wyatt Chancellor Dr. Robert Potts Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee SWA Melanie Richardson Faculty Athletics Rep Nonie Wiggins Athletic Department Phone Ticket Office Phone Baseball Quick Facts Head Coach Keith Kessinger Alma Mater Mississippi, 1989 Record at ASU (Years) (4) Career Record (Years) (6) 2006 Record Sun Belt Record (Finish) Starters Returning/Lost /6 Lettermen Returning/Lost /9 Pitchers Returning/Lost /6 Newcomers Facility (Capacity) Tomlinson Stadium (1,000) Press Box Phone Baseball Office Phone Assistant Coaches (Years) Chris Berry (1st) Chris Cook (1st) Mike Sirianni (1st, volunteer) Sports Information Quick Facts Assistant SID (Baseball Contact)......Van Provence Provence vprovence@astate.edu Provence cell Sports Information Director Jerry Scott Assistant SID Gina Bowman Sports Information Phone Sports Information Fax Mailing Address P.O. Box 1000 State University, AR Overnight Mailing Olympic Drive Jonesboro, AR Post-Game Interviews The Arkansas State locker room is closed to all members of the media. Head coach Keith Kessinger and requested assistant coaches and players will be available for interviews following a brief cooling off period. Baseball Releases All ASU Baseball releases can be obtained as a PDF document on the athletics website at ASUIndians.com. To be added to the broadcast for basketball releases, contact Van Provence in the Sports Information office. picked sixth, followed by New Orleans, ASU and Western Kentucky. Newcomer Louisiana- Monroe and Arkansas-Little Rock tied for 10th in the poll. BOESCHEN OUT UNTIL MARCH: Senior left-handed hurler Joel Boeschen, who spent most of last season as the Indians Friday night starter, will be out with an injury until mid-march. Boeschen had surgery for a labrum tear over the summer. The ASU Baseball On the Radio ASU Indian Baseball can be heard on Earl FM, and online at Play-by-play is provided by Matt Stolz, the voice of the Indians. southpaw from Okawville, Ill., started 14 games for the Indians in 2006, going 3-7 with a 6.94 ERA in 70 innings of work. NEW FACES: For the first time since becoming head coach at ASU, skipper Keith Kessinger will have a new pair of assistant coaches in Chris Berry and Chris Cook. Former Indian player Mike Sirianni also joined the staff as a volunteer assistant. Berry, ASU s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, came to the Tribe after spending seven seasons as a coach at Baylor. Berry helped the team to an appearance in the 2005 College World Series. Under his tutelage, seven of Baylor s pitchers were drafted in his last two seasons at the school. Cook comes to the ASU program after a one-year stint as an assistant coach at Austin Peay State. Cook, who will coach the Indians hitters and outfielders, as well as assist in recruiting, also 2007 ASU Indian Roster No. Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Cl. Exp. Hometown 1 Jordan Kimball IF R/R Fr. HS New Madrid, Mo. 2 A.J. Prickel IF R/R Jr. JC Cincinnati, Ohio 3 Guy Brown 2B R/R So. 1L Harrison 4 Aaron Ferguson SS/2B R/R Jr. JC Paragould 5 Nathan Gates OF R/R Sr. 1L Tulsa, Okla. 6 Grey Avant C R/R So. 1L Germantown, Tenn. 7 Jett Jones OF/P L/L So. 1L Stuttgart 8 David Humphrey OF R/R Jr. RS Blytheville 9 T.J. Brewer P R/R Sr. 1L Bloomington, Tenn. 10 Nick Lambert P R/R So. 1L Norphlet 11 Tyler Doke OF R/R Sr. 1L Morrisville, Mo. 12 Hunter Smith INF R/R Fr. RS Jonesboro 13 Tyler Goodwin P R/R Sr. 2L Trumann 14 Joel Boeschen P L/L Sr. 1L Okawville, Ill. 15 Brandon Bennett 1B L/R Sr. 1L Blytheville 17 Josh Ford 1B L/R Jr. 1L Cape Girardeau, Mo. 18 Cody Pace OF R/R Fr. HS Jonesboro 20 Ryan Blackburn P R/R Fr. RS Jonesboro 21 Jack McGrath P L/L Fr. RS Jonesboro 22 Drew Rogers C R/R So. 1L North Little Rock 23 Jacob Maggard P R/R Jr. JC Monticello 24 Josh Yates C/OF R/R Sr. 1L San Antonio, Texas 25 Cade Baxter C/OF R/R Fr. HS Rockwall, Texas 26 Tim Egart P R/R Sr. 1L St. Louis, Mo. 27 Brandon Eller IF/P R/R So. 1L Sherwood 28 Pete Pasternak P R/R Jr. RS Desloge, Mo. 30 Danny Riemenschneider INF R/R Fr. HS Bryant 31 Ryan Hudgins 3B R/R Jr. JC Haysville, Kan. 32 Chris Evans 1B L/R Jr. JC St. Joseph, Mo. 34 Mike Cero C R/R Fr. HS Portland, Ore. 35 Zach Skaggs P L/L Fr. HS Grubbs 36 Cory Lambert P L/L So. Bryant 37 Sean Nichols OF R/R Fr. HS Bastrop, La.

3 had stints at Lander, Winthrop, Collin County Community College and Rockford, his alma mater. Sirianni was a student assistant at ASU last season, and spent 2004 and 2005 as an infielder for the program. He hit.286 at A-State and started 111 games in two years. He had 124 hits, scored 96 runs and drove in 77 runs. A native of Indianola, Iowa, Sirianni will coach first base as well as work with ASU s hitters and infielders. LAST TIME OUT: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (2/18/07) Arkansas State rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat Samford 7-5 in a back-and-forth affair on Sunday at Joe Lee Griffin Field. Right fielder Tyler Doke started the ninth inning rally with a one-out double. With two outs, first baseman Brandon Eller singled to center as Doke scored to give the Indians a 6-5 lead. After third baseman Ryan Hudgins was intentionally walked, second baseman Guy Brown shot a single into center to plate Eller and give the Tribe a 7-5 advantage. Tim Egart pitched around a hit and a walk in the ninth to shut down the Bulldogs and give the Indians (1-2) their first win of the season. Egart (1-0) went the final two and two-thirds innings to get the win for ASU. He gave up a run on two hits and walked three. Joseph Edens (0-1), Samford s career leader in saves, was tagged for two runs on four hits in the final inning and two-thirds to take the loss. He struck out one and walked one. Eller went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a run batted in to lead the Tribe s 13-hit offensive outbreak. Shortstop A.J. Prickel was 2-for-4 and drove in three runs, while Hudgins had a pair of hits, including a two-run home run, and scored two runs. David Humphrey and Brown also had two hits for ASU. Samford (2-1) plated its first run in third to take a 1-0 lead. Center fielder Kyle Kilgore walked to lead off the inning and moved to third on a single by shortstop Michael Marseco. John Morgan lifted a sacrifice fly to center to drive in Kilgore for the Bulldogs first run. The Bulldogs used a two-out rally to extend their lead in the fifth. Morgan doubled down the left field line before second baseman Parker Gargas lifted a 1-0 offering from reliever Tyler Goodwin over the left field fence to give Samford a 3-0 advantage. The Indians battled back in the sixth, getting their biggest singleinning offensive outburst of the weekend to tie the game 3-all. Eller singled before Hudgins blasted a 1-0 pitch from Samford starter Eric Lassiter to cut the Bulldogs lead to 3-2. The home run was Hudgins first hit in an Indian uniform. Center fielder Aaron Ferguson reached and took second on a one-out error by Samford catcher Luke Peavy, then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Prickel singled through the left side of a drawn in infield to drive in Ferguson and tie the game at 3-3. Samford took advantage of a leadoff single and an error to take a 4-3 lead in the seventh. Peavy singled to lead off the inning. He was replaced on the base paths by pinch runner Joseph Ballew, who moved too second on an error and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Marseco singled to plate Ballew and give Samford a 4-3 lead. Prickel tripled into deep center field to drive in two and give ASU a 5-4 lead in the top of the eighth. Eller and Hudgins had back to back singles to start the inning. Eller was out at third on a Brown fielder s choice and pinch hitter Brandon Bennett grounded out for the second out. Prickel then launched a shot over the head of Kilgore in deep center to put the Indians on top. Samford added a run in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the game at 5-all. Marseco and Burnett had two hits each for Samford, while Parker drove in a pair of runs. ASU has been without the services of senior All-American Josh Yates, who did not travel with the team this weekend. Yates and his wife are awaiting the birth of their second child OUTLOOK: The Arkansas State baseball team looks to show that 2006 was just a bump in the road on its way to establishing itself as a top team in the nation and the alwaystough Sun Belt Conference. The Indians look to get back to their winning ways in 2007, after establishing a winning tradition with back-to-back winning seasons in 2004 and 2005 under head coach Keith Kessinger. The fifth-year skipper is excited his club's chances in "I think that we are as athletic as we've been since I came here," Kessinger said. "I think we have more guys that can run, and more guys that can do more things than any team that I've had since I've been here. "We have the chance to be the best defensive team since I've been here. Offensively, we will be different. I think we might see a little bit more hit and run, stealing and make sure we put the ball in play, where in the past we became a home run team. This team is extremely hard working and very close knit." ASU also looks to prove its critics wrong. The Indians were predicted to finish eighth in the 11-team Sun Belt Conference, which include newcomers Florida Atlantic and Louisiana- Monroe in "They don't give out NCAA tournament bids based on pre-season predictions," Kessinger said. "In a conference like this where you play everybody, at the end of the year you'll know who the best team is." ASU will have experience in its favor in 2007, returning the bulk of its pitching staff from last season, as well as the services of All-American Josh Yates in the lineup. The Indians return four starters from last season off a team that hit.302. "I think we'll be a very competitive team," the fifth-year skipper said. "I think we'll give ourselves a chance to compete with everybody. We're like a lot of people, if things fall our way,

4 we've got a chance to have a special year." Catchers The Indians have a plethora of options at catcher in Drew Rogers returns for the Tribe after starting 39 games behind the plate in 2006 Rogers, from North Little Rock, improved his production as the season went along. He hit just.230 on the season, but improved his hitting to.286 in Sun Belt play. "Drew is the returning starting catcher, and had a very good fall for us," Kessinger said. "He has a tremendous arm, and I think he'll have the best offensive season that he's had here." All-American Josh Yates, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, caught games last season and could also see time at catcher. He hit.376 with 13 home runs and also drove in 62 runs in Avant, a sophomore from Germantown, Tenn., is another possibility behind the dish. He appeared in 12 games as a freshman and hit.273. Two freshmen, Mike Cero and Cade Baxter, could also be in the mix. First base First base is an open after the departure of Elliot Jacobs, who started 52 games for the Indians last season. Several players are vying for playing time at the position in Sophomore Brandon Eller of Sherwood could start at first after appearing in 17 games as a pitcher and three games in the field as a freshman. Eller could see times at several positions this season, including on the mound. He had two hits in three at bats last year. "Brandon has never played first base before, but did a great job this fall," Kessinger said. "He has good hands, and he's a good athlete." Chris Evans, a native of St. Joseph, Mo, who played two seasons at Maple Woods Community College, is another possibility at first base. "Chris is a big, strong, left-handed hitting kid," Kessinger said. "He could play outfield or could DH as well." Two returnees could also factor in the equation as well. Senior Brandon Bennett of Blytheville appeared in 26 games last season, with six starts. He hit.256 and drove in nine runs. Junior Josh Ford, a Cape Girardeau, Mo, native, appeared in six games in Another possibility at first base could be redshirt freshman Hunter Smith. Smith, a Jonesboro High graduate, hit.486 for the Hurricane in Second base Sophomore Guy Brown will take over for two-year starter Brett Kinning after the Harrison native had an impressive campaign as a freshman. Brown started 43 games and appeared in 49, hitting.262 with 26 RBI while seeing time at three infield positions. "Guy Brown is our starting second baseman," Kessinger said. "He's made a great transition to second base. This is really where we thought his best position would be when we signed him. He can do all the things that you look for in a second baseman, and do them well." True freshman Jordan Kimball of New Madrid, Mo., who could also see time at shortstop, is another option at second. "Jordan is a very smooth athlete," Kessinger said. "He does everything really well." Brandon Eller, who could also see time at first base and will pitch, could also be an option at second. "Brandon could literally end up at any infield position if he's not the starting first baseman," Kessinger said. Shortstop Junior college transfer A.J. Prickel looks to be the starting shortstop after a solid fall camp. Prickel, from Cincinnati, Ohio, came to ASU after a year at Alabama Southern College. "A.J. had a great fall for us," Kessinger said. "He's a tremendous athlete and loves to play the game. I think he'll do a really good job at shortstop for us." Jordan Kimball, who will also back up the second base position, could see time at shortstop. Another option for the Indians is true freshman Danny Riemenschneider, who hails from Bryant. Riemenschneider could also see time at other infield positions, as well as pitch. Third base Transfer Ryan Hudgins of Butler County Community College looks to have the inside track to start for the Tribe at third base. "Ryan left fall practice as our starting third baseman," Kessinger said. "He had a tremendous junior college career. He was very good defensively this fall, and we think he's going to be a good offensive player. He definitely has the chance to be a middle of the order bat for us." Backing up Hudgins could be Guy Brown, who started the majority of last season at the position before gaining the starting nod at second base this year. Hunter Smith, who could also see time at first base, Brandon Eller, who could see time at any infield position, and Cade Baxter, who is also a catcher, could all see time at the hot corner this season. Outfield The Indians have plenty of options in the outfield for this season. Josh Yates, who was named to two All-America teams after a record-setting junior season, will move to the outfield for Yates hit.376 with 23 doubles, 13 home runs and 62 RBI last season, primarily seeing time as a designated hitter. He also saw time at catcher and in the outfield. "Josh is a really good athlete, and he's spent a lot of time getting better as an outfielder," Kessinger said. Yates was named to the pre-season All-America squad by Collegiate Baseball and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 40th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. Tyler Doke returns for the Tribe after an impressive season as a junior. He hit.336 with 44 runs scored, 14 doubles, and drove 21 runs. He also stole 11 bases. "Tyler will certainly start in right field for us," Kessinger said. "Tyler is set up to have a great year. He's real-

5 ly improved his speed. As the season went on last year, he really improved. I think he'll have another good season for us." Aaron Ferguson, a transfer from Crowder College, should start the season in center. Ferguson moves to the outfield after coming in as a middle infielder. "Aaron's the fastest player on our team, and he's probably the fastest player that we've had since I've been here," Kessinger said. "We think he's got a chance to be a tremendous defensive centerfielder." Kessinger stated that many others could see time roaming the vast expanses of Tomlinson Stadium-Kell Field. "There's some guys really pushing to get into that mix," Kessinger said. Among those included in that group are sophomore Jett Jones, junior David Humphrey, sophomore Nick Lambert, true freshmen Sean Nichols and Cody Pace, and junior college transfer Chris Evans. Jones, from Stuttgart, appeared in seven games for the Tribe in "Jett has made dramatic improvements from last year," Kessinger said. "He's a big, strong, fast, left-handed hitting kid, and has a real chance to help us." Humphrey appeared in 10 games for the Tribe in 2006, and started three games. Pitching staff The Indians will have plenty of experience on the mound in Six hurlers return for the Tribe, while two others that redshirted will add to the mix, as well as plenty of newcomers. "This is certainly an area where we need to get better," Kessinger said. "I'm excited about what Coach (Chris) Berry is bringing. Hopefully our guys will respond to that. "The vast majority of our pitching staff returns, but they need to get better. That's the bottom line. We had moments where we threw the ball really well, but we weren't consistent on the mound." Several Indians have a chance to start on the bump for the Tribe. Among those returners that could start include Nathan Gates, Joel Boeschen and T.J. Brewer. Gates, a right-hander, started 15 games for the Indians in 2006, and tossed one complete game. He posted a 4-6 record and struck out 70 in 82 innings of work. "Nathan had some minor army surgery last summer to clean things up from the major arm surgery that he had before," Kessinger said. "He appears to be bouncing back great. He has been cleared to pitch and should certainly be in the starting mix for us." Boeschen, a southpaw, started 14 games for the Tribe last season and struck out 72 in 70 innings of work. He was 3-7 in "Joel had shoulder surgery for a labrum tear this summer," Kessinger said. "The best case scenario for him is to return in early March. He hasn't been cleared, but he has started throwing off the mound. "He's a true power left-hander that throws and could pitch at the top end of most any staff." Brewer appeared in 13 games last season and drew six starting assignments. He held opponents to a.248 batting average and struck out 28 in 33 innings. He went 1-3 in "T.J. is a guy that we think has tremendous ability," Kessinger said. "He showed flashes last year of being a dominant guy, but he didn't have a very good year overall. I think he has benefited as much as anybody with a fresh start." Pete Pasternak returns to the Tribe after sitting out 2006 with an injury. He threw one scoreless inning before having to undergo Tommy John surgery, and could start this season. "Pete definitely has a chance to be a starter," Kessinger said. "He has been completely cleared to pitch." Others that could be in the mix to start include senior right-hander Tim Egart, who served as the Indians' closer last season, junior college transfer Jacob Maggard and sophomore Nick Lambert. Egart went 6-4 with five saves in 26 appearances last season, which included one start. He held opponents to a.245 batting average and struck out 40 in 38.1 innings of work. Maggard transferred to ASU after two seasons at Mississippi Delta Community College. "Jacob is definitely going to pitch a lot," Kessinger said. "He's one of the hardest-throwing guys that we've had since I've been here. He's got a great arm. "He could be a closer, but he was an outstanding junior college starter, so there's no reason to think that he couldn't do that here." Lambert appeared in 21 games and started twice for the Tribe in He struck out 21 in 31.2 innings and held opponents to just 13 extra base hits in 127 at bats. Lambert could start or appear out of the bullpen for the Indians this season. "Nick has a live arm and a good breaking ball," Kessinger said. "He just needs to improve his consistency." Hurlers that could see action out of the bullpen include Maggard, Egart, Nick Lambert, Tyler Goodwin, Ryan Blackburn, Jack McGrath, Brandon Eller, Zach Skaggs and Jett Jones. Goodwin is a two-year letterman that missed the 2006 season due to injury. He started 10 games and went 3-5 with a 4.71 ERA for ASU in Opponents hit just.237 off the righthander. Eller went 3-3 with a 5.06 ERA in 42.2 innings for the Indians in He struck out 21 and walked just nine, while also starting two games. "Brandon's a guy that will pitch a lot of innings," Kessinger said. "His role on the pitching staff will be determined by how much he plays every day. He's certainly one of our top returning pitchers, and has a chance to be really effective for us." The Schedule The Indians boast a schedule of 27 games at home with 29 games away from the friendly confines of Tomlinson Stadium-Kell Field. The Tribe's non-conference schedule is highlighted by home and home

6 mid-week games with perennial power Ole Miss, Memphis and Division I newcomer Central Arkansas. "Our mid-week non-conference schedule is always highlighted by the home and home with Ole Miss and Memphis," Kessinger said. "This year, with Central Arkansas going Division I, we'll be playing them home and home as well. Those games are certainly good for our fans." The Indians begin the season with eight straight away from home, with the season-opener set for Feb. 16 with a three-game series at Samford in Birmingham, Ala. The Bulldogs, who lost two of three to the Indians in Jonesboro last season, won the regular season title in the Ohio Valley Conference in After a mid-week tilt with UCA in Conway, the Indians head to Beaumont, Texas, to take part in the Cardinal Classic for the second straight year. Creighton, Northwestern and the host squad Lamar also take part in the field. ASU picked up wins over Kentucky and Michigan State in the 2006 Cardinal Classic. The opening road swing ends with a visit to regional rival Murray State on Feb. 28. "This opening road swing will be a challenge for us," Kessinger said. "We open with Samford, who one the OVC last year, and go to a tournament at Lamar the next weekend." ASU wraps up its weekend nonconference schedule by hosting Missouri Valley member Bradley for a doubleheader on March 3 and a single game on March 4. The Indians will host Missouri State for a pair of midweek games, while traveling to Big 12 foe Oklahoma State for two games. Other non-conference opponents include Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee-Martin and Jackson State. "What you try to do with a non-conference schedule is prepare your team for play in conference," Kessinger said. "It's a good mix for us." The always-tough Sun Belt Conference got tougher in 2007 with the additions of perennial NCAA contender Florida Atlantic and Louisiana- Monroe. "I think you always start with the fact that the Sun Belt is going to be one of the top baseball conferences in the country, and it just got tougher" Kessinger said. "In the last couple of years we've added Troy, which won the Atlantic Sun, and then won our league last year. "This year you add Florida Atlantic and Louisiana-Monroe. ULM is historically a good program. Then you've got FAU who is probably one of the top 30 teams in the country, year in and year out. If you talk about winning percentage, it's even higher than that. So definitely, our league has gotten better." The Indians host New Orleans March 9-11 to open Sun Belt play. ASU will also host Middle Tennessee State, Florida International, Troy and ULM in Sun Belt play, while traveling to South Alabama, FAU, Western Kentucky, Louisiana-Lafayette and Arkansas-Little Rock. The 2007 Sun Belt Conference tournament will be held May at Stanky Field in Mobile, Ala. ASU HEAD COACH KEITH KESSINGER: Arkansas State head coach Keith Kessinger is entering his fifth season as head coach of the baseball Indians. Kessinger has compiled a record during his four seasons at A S U, including back-toback winning seasons in 2004 and the first time the Tribe had posted back-to-back winning records since In his four seasons at ASU, Kessinger has recorded 108 victories and has brought national recognition to ASU baseball, earning victories over nationally ranked Ole Miss, South Alabama and Louisiana- Lafayette. Although the Indians dipped below.500 last season, finishing at 22-30, ASU did post victories over nationally ranked Mississippi, Southeastern Conference member Kentucky, Big 10 member Michigan State, and Memphis during the nonconference season. Additionally, the Tribe qualified for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament as it won Sun Belt series against UALR and WKU, sweeping UALR in early April. The Tribe also posted a record last season at ASU s Tomlinson Stadium, and following the season, two Indians were selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. ASU s 33 victories in 2005 tied a record for the fourth most victories in a single season for the Indian baseball program. The Indian offense posted a record breaking performance in 2005 under Kessinger's guidance as it rewrote the ASU record books in almost every offensive category. The Tribe posted single season records in batting average (.314), runs scored (429), hits (632), doubles (135), home runs (78), runs batted in (390) and total bases (1023). Under his tutelage the Indians also gained national and regional recognition on both the team and individual levels. The Indians received votes for the first time in program history in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Weekly Poll. The Tribe placed three players on the All-Sun Belt First Team in first baseman Geoff Desmond, second baseman Brett Kinning and shortstop Chris Rich. Desmond also picked up NCBWA All- America honors for his record-breaking season as he set four new single season offensive marks. The Tribe has also made great strides off of the field as well. The Indians picked up the Sun Belt Conference Academic Team award for the third straight season. The Tribe posted a 3.0 team G.P.A. last year to take home the honor. In 2004, the Indians posted a record marking the first winning season for ASU

7 since The Indians picked up victories over nationally ranked Ole Miss on two different occasions and posted a two-game sweep of Sun Belt foe Louisiana-Lafayette late in the season In his first season at the helm, Kessinger opened the season by leading his team to some upsets as they knocked off nationally-ranked South Alabama, beat the University of Memphis twice and defeated his alma mater Ole Miss twice. Since Kessinger's arrival on campus he has been instrumental in spearheading improvements at Tomlinson Stadium. Improvements have been made each year since his arrival and more improvements and renovations are planned for the future. In just three short years the Tribe has added a second indoor batting cage, constructed two outdoor all-weather batting cages, relocated the bullpens, improved both teams' dugouts, refurbished the team's locker room, added landscaping features throughout the facility, added a batter's eye, replaced the speakers/sound system and constructed a new brick entrance into the ballpark. A new picnic area is currently under construction at Tomlinson Stadium, and will be ready for the 2007 season, making the ballpark even more fan-friendly. Kessinger came to ASU after spending two seasons as head coach at Carson-Newman College, where he compiled a record of In 2002, his team finished 39-19, reaching the NCAA South Regional. CNC won the South Atlantic Conference regular season title while Coach Kessinger picked up coach of the year honors from the conference. At Carson- Newman, he coached a school-record nine All-SAC players in 2002, two All- Americans and the Division II National Player of the Year. The team also set or tied 18 individual or team records in his two seasons. Kessinger has an overall coaching record of in six seasons at both Arkansas State and Carson- Newman College Prior to taking over the program at Carson-Newman, Kessinger was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Mississippi for four seasons. He was named All-Southeastern Conference second-team shortstop in 1989 and Academic All-SEC three times. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1989 and played seven years for that team, the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs organizations. In his first major league appearance in 1993, he singled in his first at bat. Kessinger graduated from Briarcrest High School in Memphis, Tenn. in 1984 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in managerial finance from Ole Miss in He is married to the former Laura Neyman and they have two children-anna Kathryn (9) and Chase (7). He is the son of baseball legend Donnie Kessinger who spent 16 seasons in the Major Leagues including time with the Chicago Cubs.

8 The Automated ScoreBook Statistics Summary for Arkansas State (as of Feb 19, 2007) (All games) Record: 1-2 Home: 0-0 Away: 1-2 Conference: 0-0 Date Opposing team Score Player AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-ATT /16 at Samford 1-6 L Eller /17 at Samford 0-2 L Humphrey /18 at Samford W 7-5 Pace Prickel Avant Hudgins Brown Evans Doke Jones Ferguson Bennett Totals Opponents LOB - Team (17), Opp (17). DPs turned - Team (5), Opp (3). IBB - Team (1), Hudgins 1, Opp (1). Player ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO Lambert, N / Eller / McGrath / Brewer / Maggard / Egart / Gates / Goodwin / Totals / Opponents / Pickoffs - Team (1), Gates 1. SBA/ATT - Avant (2-2), Brewer (1-1), Egart (1-1). Score by innings Total Arkansas State Opponents Win-loss breakouts: Day 1-2; Night 0-0; vs Left 0-1; vs Right 1-1; 1-Run games 0-0; 2-Run games 1-1; 5+Run games 0-1; Extra inns 0-0; Shutouts 0-1. Current streak: Won 1; Longest winning streak: 1; Longest losing streak: 2. Attendance: Home 0 (avg 0); Away 1031 (avg 343); Total 1031 (avg 343).

9 The Automated ScoreBook Overall Statistics for Arkansas State (as of Feb 19, 2007) (All games Sorted by Batting avg) Record: 1-2 Home: 0-0 Away: 1-2 Conference: 0-0 Player AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% Eller Humphrey Pace Prickel Avant Hudgins Brown Evans Doke Jones Ferguson Bennett Totals Opponents LOB - Team (17), Opp (17). DPs turned - Team (5), Opp (3). IBB - Team (1), Hudgins 1, Opp (1). (All games Sorted by Earned run avg) Player ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA Lambert, N / Eller / McGrath / Brewer / Maggard / Egart / Gates / Goodwin / Totals / Opponents / Pickoffs - Team (1), Gates 1. SBA/ATT - Avant (2-2), Brewer (1-1), Egart (1-1).

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11 The Automated ScoreBook Arkansas State at Samford Feb 17, 2007 at Birmingham, Ala. (J.L. Griffin Field) Arkansas State 0 (0-2) Samford 2 (2-0) Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB Brown 2b KREBS, K. cf Jones lf KILGORE, K. cf Doke rf MARSECO, M. ss Evans dh GARGIS, P. 2b Hudgins 3b ROJAS, L. 1b Eller 1b RICE, G. dh Prickel ss BURNETT, B. rf Avant c MORGAN, J. lf Ferguson cf PEAVY, L. c Maggard p WHITEHEAD, B 3b HILL, T. p KNAPP, D. p EDENS, J. p Totals Totals Score by Innings R H E Arkansas State Samford X E - WHITEHEAD, B. DP - Indians 2; Bulldogs 1. LOB - Indians 3; Bulldogs 4. 2B - BURNETT, B. 2. HBP - ROJAS, L.. SH - KREBS, K.. Arkansas State IP H R ER BB SO AB BF Samford IP H R ER BB SO AB BF Maggard HILL, T Eller KNAPP, D EDENS, J Win - HILL, T. (1-0). Loss - Maggard (0-1). Save - EDENS, J. (1). WP - Maggard. HBP - by Maggard (ROJAS, L.). Umpires - HP: David Holiday 2B: Owen Butts Start: 12:01 pm Time: 1:48 Attendance: 373 Game notes: ID Game: ASU2

12 The Automated ScoreBook Arkansas State at Samford Feb 17, 2007 at Birmingham, Ala. (J.L. Griffin Field) Arkansas State 0 (0-2) Samford 2 (2-0) Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB Brown 2b KREBS, K. cf Jones lf KILGORE, K. cf Doke rf MARSECO, M. ss Evans dh GARGIS, P. 2b Hudgins 3b ROJAS, L. 1b Eller 1b RICE, G. dh Prickel ss BURNETT, B. rf Avant c MORGAN, J. lf Ferguson cf PEAVY, L. c Maggard p WHITEHEAD, B 3b HILL, T. p KNAPP, D. p EDENS, J. p Totals Totals Score by Innings R H E Arkansas State Samford X E - WHITEHEAD, B. DP - Indians 2; Bulldogs 1. LOB - Indians 3; Bulldogs 4. 2B - BURNETT, B. 2. HBP - ROJAS, L.. SH - KREBS, K.. Arkansas State IP H R ER BB SO AB BF Samford IP H R ER BB SO AB BF Maggard HILL, T Eller KNAPP, D EDENS, J Win - HILL, T. (1-0). Loss - Maggard (0-1). Save - EDENS, J. (1). WP - Maggard. HBP - by Maggard (ROJAS, L.). Umpires - HP: David Holiday 2B: Owen Butts Start: 12:01 pm Time: 1:48 Attendance: 373 Game notes: ID Game: ASU2

13 The Automated ScoreBook Arkansas State at Samford Feb 18, 2007 at Birmingham, Ala. (J.L. Griffin Field) Arkansas State 7 (1-2) Samford 5 (2-1) Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB Humphrey dh MARSECO, M. ss Doke rf MORGAN, J. lf Jones lf GARGIS, P. 2b Eller 1b ROJAS, L. 1b Hudgins 3b RICE, G. dh Brown 2b SWANN, T. ph Ferguson cf KREBS, K. pr Bennett ph BURNETT, B. rf Pace cf RODRIGUEZ, M 3b Prickel ss LOWERY, J. pr Avant c WHITEHEAD, B 3b Brewer p PEAVY, L. c Goodwin p BALLEW, J. pr Lambert, N. p KILGORE, K. cf McGrath p LASSITER, E. p Egart p DENSON, D. p PAYNE, D. p EDENS, J. p WAITE, B. p Totals Totals Score by Innings R H E Arkansas State Samford E - Lambert, N.; RODRIGUEZ, M 2; PEAVY, L.. DP - Indians 2; Bulldogs 1. LOB - Indians 9; Bulldogs 8. 2B - Doke; MORGAN, J.; BURNETT, B.. 3B - Prickel. HR - Hudgins; GARGIS, P.. HBP - Ferguson. SH - KILGORE, K.. SF - MORGAN, J.. SB - Humphrey; MARSECO, M. 2. CS - Prickel. Arkansas State IP H R ER BB SO AB BF Samford IP H R ER BB SO AB BF Brewer LASSITER, E Goodwin DENSON, D Lambert, N PAYNE, D McGrath EDENS, J Egart WAITE, B Win - Egart (1-0). Loss - EDENS, J. (0-1). Save - None. WP - DENSON, D.. HBP - by LASSITER, E. (Ferguson). Umpires - HP: Adam Ficken 2B: Larry Short Start: 1:02 pm Time: 3:03 Attendance: 305 Game notes: ID Game: ASU3

14 UCA Baseball 2007 Overall Statistics for Central Arkansas (as of Feb 19, 2007) (All games Sorted by Batting avg) Record: 1-3 Home: 1-0 Away: 0-3 Southland: 0-0 Player AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 15 Warren, Matt Gatlin, Grant Tennyson, Eric Davis, Chris Pritchett, Bobby Throneberry, Tye Martin, Graham Cline, Scott Rawls, Kevin Houk, Chris Seelinger, Payton Ashworth, Jonatha Corso, Derrick Dickson, Zack Taylor, Kent Totals Opponents LOB - Team (34), Opp (30). DPs turned - Team (2), Opp (5). Picked off - Rawls 1. (All games Sorted by Earned run avg) Player ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 3 Pritchett, Bobby / Brewer, Jeremy / Charette, Josh / Dunn, Brandon / Ashworth, Jonatha / Parsons, James / Price, Daniel / Thomasson, Kerry / Cloud, Jeremy / Boone, James / Grisham, Casey / Totals / Opponents / SBA/ATT - C. Davis (9-9), D. Price (2-2), Grisham (1-1), Cloud (1-1), J. Boone (1-1), Pritchett (1-1), Charette (1-1), Ashworth (1-1), Parsons (1-1). UCA Baseball 2007 Game Results for Central Arkansas (as of Feb 14, 2007) (All games) Game date Opposing team Score r h e/ r h e Inns Overall Southland Pitcher of record Atten / Feb 09, 2007 at UALR 9-10 L / Parsons (L 0-1) 3 Feb 10, 2007 at UALR 2-14 L 2 8 3/ D. Price (L 0-1) 3 Feb 11, 2007 Arkansas-Little Rock W / Parsons (W 1-0) 1 () extra inning game