Millsaps College -- In the midst of a late season tailspin, hampered with nagging injuries, and struggling to regain the potent offense which carried it to a fast 10-0 start this season, the Millsaps College baseball team is nevertheless determined to succeed in this weekend's Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament. The Majors enter the SCAC Spring Sports Festival as the number three seed in the West and will play the East number one seed, Oglethorpe University, in first round action on Thursday, April 25, at 7:00 p.m. at Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson.
The Majors enter Thursday's contest on the heels of a three game losing streak, where sloppy defense and poor hitting have characterized the play of the Purple and White. This less than desirable performance is a far cry from the squeaky clean fielding and torrid hitting that epitomized a team in early March destined for season long success. But despite their recent play, ask Senior catcher Taylor Beasley and Junior shortstop Matt Yglesias about the Majors' chances this weekend and you get a different story. "I have a good feeling about this weekend," said Beasley as he prepared for batting practice on Tuesday. "I agree," added Yglesias. "We are ready. Don't be fooled by what you've seen recently. We fully expect to play good baseball all weekend long. Our spirits are high and we are determined to succeed." Injuries to defensive standout and leadoff batter, K.K. Aldridge, and pitcher/designated hitter, John Fox, have Head Coach Jim Page's attention, but the all time winningest coach in Millsaps baseball history is confident about his team. "Our guys are ready," said the veteran helmsman as he watered the field on Tuesday. "Baseball is a funny sport sometimes, but we'll be ready for the weekend. We have been resting some players this past week in an attempt to get healthy for the tournament, and guys like K.K. and John Fox will be 100% ready to play."
Players to Watch:
Players to watch this weekend for the Majors include the heavy hitting outfield unit consisting of Seniors Walker Thrash and Brandon Page and Sophomore Stuart Phillips. Thrash, who plays leftfield, is currently batting .324 with a conference high 9 home runs, while Page, who patrols centerfield, posts a .354 average with a powerful slugging percentage of .662. In rightfield, Phillips hits a team high clip of .388 and leads the team in hits with 54. Other hitters of note include Sophomore third baseman Scott Staines, who displays an average of .353 and Senior catcher/first baseman Cody McCain, who has enjoys a .346 tab.
Pitchers to watch:
Look for Junior Chat Lenhart and Sophomore Doug Garner. The crafty Lenhart has established a record of 6-1 with a 5.08 ERA, while the hard throwing Garner boasts a mark of 5-5 with a 5.27 ERA.
Majors' 2002 Record Versus Oglethorpe:
The Majors last played Oglethorpe in an afternoon double header on Saturday, April 6, 2002, and picked-up two victories, winning 9-2 and 13-3.
Team Records:
The Majors are 22-15 overall and 11-9 in the SCAC West. Oglethorpe is 19-16 overall and 8-4 in the SCAC East. (Note: The SCAC West plays a conference schedule of 20 games, while the SCAC East plays a league schedule of 16 games. Oglethorpe had four conference games rained out).
