Following a series win last weekend, Seattle U will look to build on its momentum as it visits preseason favorite UT-Rio Grande Valley in Western Athletic Conference action. The four-game set is slated to begin Friday at 4 pm PT. Heading into the weekend, the Redhawks lead the series 12-6, dating back to 2014, with a 4-5 record in Edinburgh.
SERIES INFO
Friday, Apr. 23 – 4 pm PT • Watch / Stats
Saturday, Apr. 24 (G1) – 11 am PT • Watch / Stats
Saturday, Apr. 24 (G2) – Approx. 1:30 pm PT • Watch / Stats
Sunday, Apr. 25 – 8 am PT • Watch / Stats
PITCHING MATCHUPS
Friday – SU: Nestor German, RHP (4-3, 4.24 ERA, 34.0 IP) vs UTRGV: Kevin Stevens, RHP (3-4, 3.54 ERA, 48.1 IP)
Saturday (G1) – SU: Alex Jemal, RHP (2-4, 2.86 ERA, 44.0 IP) vs UTRGV: Kevin Palm, RHP (0-2, 4.63 ERA, 23.1 IP)
Saturday (G2) – SU: Peter Chronowski, LHP (2-2, 2.87 ERA, 31.1 IP) vs UTRGV: J.C. Ariza, RHP (0-2, 3.16 ERA, 42.2 IP)
Sunday – TBD vs TBD
LAST TIME OUT
Seattle U notched a series victory last weekend, winning three of four games, over nationally-ranked Sacramento State on the road. The Redhawks recorded back-to-back-to-back shutouts en route to holding Sac State scoreless for 26 consecutive innings. Peter Chronowski's performance on the mound in game two of Saturday's doubleheader played a vital role led to Seattle U sweeping the twin bill as the left-hander registered a seven-inning complete game shutout with a career-best six strikeouts. At the plate, Justin Mazzone had a pair of two-run homers in the series opener. Meanwhile Connor O'Brien led the way for the weekend hitting 7-for-16 (.438), driving in four runs and scoring four more.
WAC WEEKLY ACCOLADES
Following a stellar performance last Saturday (4/17), sophomore left-hander Peter Chronowski was named WAC Pitcher of the Week for the first time in his career.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
2.25 – Last weekend's combined ERA for Seattle U. 1.08 – The number of Walks/9 allowed by Alex Jemal placing him 20th among Div. I leaders as of Apr. 19
5 – The number of saves this season by senior transfer Lucas Ford, and as a result, is ranked 34th among Division I pitchers and the fifth-most career saves by a Redhawk pitcher since 2010.
6 – The number of home runs by senior Justin Mazzone who leads the team in this category and is tied-second among WAC leaders.
12 – The 2021 campaign is the 12th season at the helm for head coach Donny Harrel, who's been the lead architect in rebuilding the baseball program since being named to the position on June 3, 2008.
13 – The number of stolen bases by WAC leader Gavin Rork, who was ranked 43rd among Div. I leaders.
26 – The number of consecutive scoreless innings the Redhawk defense held Sacramento State last weekend.
22nd – Where Seattle U ranked among Division I in the team ERA cateogory, as of Apr. 19.
123 – The NCAA RPI ranking as of Apr. 21 for Seattle U, which was seven spots higher than the next closest WAC member (CBU, 130).
589 – The number of baseball games Seattle U has played prior to this weekend's series, dating back to the start of the 2010 season, when the program returned after a 20-plus year absence.
AWARD WATCH LIST
» Fifth-year senior Austin Lively began the season listed among the nation's top hitters as he was included on the 2021 Bragan Slugger Watch List for second consecutive season. He was also just one of two WAC representatives.
» Senior Justin Mazzone was named to the Buster Posey Catcher of the Award Watch List for a second time in as many years. He was one three WAC representatives among the those listed.
IN THE CLASSROOM
With an emphasizes on developing the whole person Seattle U baseball has seen notable success in the classroom.
» The team posted a 3.231 GPA in Winter Quarter 2021.
» With a team GPA of 3.304, the Redhawks were one four Div. I teams from the Pacific Northwest to garner the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award last season.
» The Redhawks had 15 players earn All-WAC Academic honors in 2020.
» Mechanical engineering major, Kyle Sherick was named First Team CoSIDA Academic All-District in 2020 and received the coveted Bannan Scholarship from the College of Science and Engineering.
#PROREDHAWKS
» Former Redhawk pitchers Tarik Skubal (DET) and Eric Yardley (MIL) each made the 2021 Opening Day roster for their respective teams.
» In the Summer of 2020, six former Redhawks were active in professional baseball, with five who were affiliated with a Major League team.
» Former pitcher Brandon Jenkins became the latest Redhawk to sign with a MLB team, agreeing to terms with the Chicago White Sox on June, 20, 2020. The right-hander is currently in Arizona attending minor league training camp.