Tigers prepare for Central Florida in JUCO World Series opener
The No. 7-seeded Cowley College baseball team (50-9) hopes that fate continues to be on its side as they prepare to face fourth-seeded College of Central Florida (46-15) Saturday at 9 a.m. MT in the opening game of the Alpine Bank JUCO World Series played at Sam Suplizio Field.
The Patriots return to Suplizio Field for the first time since back-to-back trips in 1997 and 1998.
Nationally, Central Florida is tied for ninth in home runs with 86 and tied for fourth in hits with 667.
Edrick Felix hits .347 with a team leading 77 RBI, 17 homeruns, and nine stolen bases.
Ben Chestnut is a perfect 11-0 on the season with a 3.39 ERA. He has struck out 103 while teammate Landon Ginn has struck out 91.
"We know they have a good team, so obviously it will be a good game," Cowley head coach Darren Burroughs said.
The Tigers are returning to the JUCO World Series for the third straight time and 11th time overall. Cowley won the Plains Region VI Tournament via four straight walk off wins.
Bryce Madron leads the Tigers with a .427 batting average. He also leads the team in doubles (26), home runs (18) and slugging percentage (.809). He is second in RBI with 62. Janson Reeder is the leader in RBI with 65 and bats .394, while shortstop David Herring has 64 RBI with nine home runs and a .355 batting average.
On the mound, Grand Adler is 11-0 in 16 games started. He carries a 2.77 ERA and has struck out 75 in 74 2/3 innings of work. Both Chance Cox and Aaron Weber are 7-0. Cox has 50 strikeouts and a 2.56 ERA, while Weber has 52 strikeouts and a 2.98 ERA.
"If we stay with who we are, we should have a good opportunity ahead of us," Burroughs said.