SAN ANTONIO – This Saturday, the St. Mary's Baseball team will finally be playing on campus for the first time in two years. The Rattlers will be taking on the University of Mary Marauders in a doubleheader on that will start at Noon. The two teams will then square off again in another doubleheader on Sunday that also starts at Noon.
What to Expect
The Rattlers ranked No. 15 in two national preseason polls and will be looking to make a big statement in the christening games this weekend in Dickson Stadium. They will be looking to follow up a big victory over rival Central Missouri, which is ranked No. 17 in the nation.
The Rattlers should be ready to go in the beautiful Dickson Stadium after a weekend of playing in Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros.
There will also be a great deal of festivities going on before the highly anticipated grand opening. There will be a cookout with prizes being given away to celebrate the opening of Dickson Stadium; the prizes include a TV, dining dollars and Spurs tickets.
Chicks Dig the Long Ball
The Rattlers offense appears to be much more potent than the team that they put on the field last year.
Brooks Orton,
Mario Maldonado and
Jan Paul Reguero have all already homered in the first two games this year.
In addition to hitting a homer, Maldonado was recognized as the first Heartland Conference Hitter of the Week. This marks the second time in his career that Maldonado has won the award.
Also be sure to be on the lookout for
Al Gonzalez. Gonzalez is entering his redshirt-sophomore season with the Rattlers and became a key contributor for St. Mary's last year. He is coming of a Heartland Conference Second Team selection and will be looking to have a breakout year this season.
Aces are High
The Rattlers will be looking to have another year of spectacular pitching out of their staff. This year
Rene Solis and
Matt McClain will be the two main headliners for St. Mary's.
Left handed pitcher
Rene Solis is entering his senior year and has achieved numerous awards in his career. The last two seasons Solis has been a Heartland Conference First Team selection. Last year he touted a record of 8-2 and had a 2.36 ERA
Left handed pitcher
Matt McClain will be entering into his junior year and is a strike out machine. Last year he tallied 108 strikeouts in 107.2 innings. McClain also lead the pitching staff in innings pitched while compiling a record of 8-4. He was a Heartland Conference Second Team selection.
