SHREVEPORT-The Centenary baseball team is set and ready to throw the first pitch against the 2009 National Champion LSU Tigers as it will begin a three-game series to open its season on Friday at 7:00 pm at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.
The Gents will then face the Tigers on Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.
Centenary rosters 26 players this season, including its 12 returners from last year's team. On the mound, the Gents welcome back its four starting pitchers in senior Dakota Robinson (5.16 ERA, 47 SO) and juniors Boone Whiting (4.16 ERA, 86 SO), Justin Kraft (4.08 ERA, 77 SO) and Stephen Tromblee (4.46 ERA, 58 SO).
They also return three of last year's top four hitters in seniors Tell Ross (.350 BA, 7 HR), Michael Tompkins (.348 BA, 8 HR) and Cliff Shepard (.345 BA, .571 SLG).
Centenary bolsters a solid newcomer class as 14 will suit up this season.
"Our returning upperclassmen are the foundation of this team. It is the most overall talented team I have had the privilege of being around since I became the head coach. We are all hoping that will result in success on the field, said head coach Ed McCann.
McCann and team are excited about what this year of Centenary baseball could bring.
"Our strength is on the bump with our entire pitching staff returning. We also have a line-up that can swing it a little bit and we should surprise people early at our ability to play," said McCann.
The Gents will play LSU for the first time since the 2007 season.
"Opening up with National Champion LSU is a measuring stick for us, it provides us a gauge for where we are and where we need to be in order to achieve our goals," said McCann.
Probable starters for this weekend's series: Whiting (Friday), Kraft (Saturday) and Tromblee (Sunday).
"We will play an aggressive style of offense, we will run, and have gap to gap power, our defense will be make plays while we expect our pitching to be stellar. What we lack in depth, we will make up for in hustle and desire," said McCann.
Following the weekend games, Centenary will return home to host Grambling in a four-game set on Friday, Feb. 26 and Saturday, Feb. 27.
