Baseball To Host Thomas University

Ave Maria, Fla.—As the Sun Conference baseball schedule reaches its latter stages, each game becomes more important. This weekend the Ave Maria Gyrenes enter their series with Thomas University, fighting for their playoff lives.

After a tough conclusion to the month of March that saw the Gyrenes finish last week with a 0-4 record, AMU looks to make one final push to get themselves back into the Sun Conference race at the start of April. As things stand right now, both Thomas and Ave Maria are on the outside looking in with three big series remaining in conference play. Thomas is sitting right above AMU in the standings at 7-10, while the Gyrenes sit at 5-12 in the eighth spot. The top six teams in the standings by the end of April will have earned the right to compete in the conference tournament and an automatic bid into the regional rounds of the NAIA baseball tournament.

In 2014, AMU traveled up to Thomasville, Georgia for their three game set with the Night Hawks. The visit to The Peach State was not one the Gyrenes remember fondly, as Thomas took all three game to complete a weekend sweep. 

With each holding an increased significance and their destiny still in their hands Ave Maria will be looking to turn the tables from 2014 and keep themselves in the hunt for the post season.

SCOUTING THOMAS UNIVERSTIY
The Night Hawks of Thomas enter this weekend's series at Bowies Ballpark with a 15-19-1 overall record. Much like the Gyrenes, Thomas has had their share of struggles as of late. Last weekend, the Night Hawks dropped two of three at home against Embry-Riddle before being swept by #6 Georgia-Gwinett in a midweek double header.

The Thomas offensive attack has been led thus far by freshman Jalbert Melo (Santo Domingo, D.R.) who tops the team in batting average at a .375 clip. Senior Josh Brujin (Tallahassee, Fla.) has been providing the power, leading the team in home runs with six on the year so far.

Tate Lambert (Bainbridge, Ga.) has been one of TU's bright spots on the mound. The freshman left hander leads the team in wins (4) and strikeouts (50), over 45.2 innings pitched. As a team, Thomas carries with them a 5.73 team ERA.

FOLLOW THE ACTION: Due to the holiday weekend, the baseball schedule has been adjusted to allow for observation and celebration. This weekend's series will begin with a Thursday afternoon DH at Bowie's Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. Friday will be an off day for both teams to observe Good Friday. The teams will return to action on Saturday afternoon at 12 p.m. to finish up the three game series before Easter Sunday. You can follow all the live stats and updates on avemariagyrenes.com and by following @gyrenes on twitter. 

By Sean Buchanan | sean.buchanan@avemaria.edu