New coach excited about opener
2/13/2012 11:55:00 PM | Baseball
The Bearkats and the Toreros will face off at 6:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and complete the series Sunday at 1 p.m. at Don Sanders Stadium in Huntsville.
Dave Pierce, formerly the pitching coach for Rice's nationally ranked teams, takes over as Sam Houston head baseball coach. Pierce and his assistants Sean Allen and Philip Miller are excited about their young team.
"We had a great fall and we're pleased with the way the players have responded," Pierce said. "We're going to be facing a very good team this weekend. San Diego returns six all-conference performers and are the favorites in the 2012 West Coast Conference race."
The Bearkats return only three of their nine starters in the field from last year and have two starting pitchers back. There are 11 transfers and 11 freshmen on the 2012 roster.
Pierce expects to throw sophomore left-handers Caleb Smith and Cody Dickson in Friday and Saturday's games. Justin Jackson, a senior right-hander is expected to start in the third game Sunday.
"All three have great stuff, but they are going to have to throw strikes and log a lot of innings for us if we're to be successful," Pierce said. "If they can throw into the seventh or eighth innings, we have a chance to be okay."
Junior right-hander Michael Burchett was a closer for the Bearkats last year but could also see action earlier in games this season. Freshmen left-handers Andrew Godail and Brandon Bergen and sophomore transfer Alan Scott look to figure in Sam Houston's plans for success on the mound.
Senior catcher John Hale, junior third baseman Kevin Miller and sophomore outfielder Luke Plucheck look to be leaders in the field for Sam Houston.
Senior outfielder Jake Arrington and junior infielder Jesse Plumlee are two returning lettermen that have impressed the new head coach.
Shortstop Cory Toups, center field Colt Atwood and infielder Ryan O'Hearn are three freshmen expected to contribute immediately.
"We were picked to finish fifth in the Southland Conference preseason poll of the league's head coaches," Pierce said. "Obviously, we have plrenty of work to do. Our goal is to contend for a high seed at the tournament and be in contention for post season play. We're ready to get started."
Tickets for Sam Houston home baseball games at Don Sanders Stadium are available now online at www.gobearkats.com/tickets. Fans also can purchase tickets Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the SHSU athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. The ticket office telephone is (936) 294-1729.
