Southern Standouts From UNCW Baseball

SOUTHERN STANDOUTS FROM UNCW BASEBALL
By JOE BROWNING

BEFORE THE BOYS OF SUMMER reign supreme in the summer months, college baseball offers plenty of excitement and fun in Wilmington as the UNCW Seahawks gear up for another run to the NCAA Tournament.

Coach Mark Scalf’s team is one of the area’s most popular draws. The NCAA Division I team entertains Colonial Athletic Association rivals Northeastern (May 3-5) and William & Mary (May 9-11) at Brooks Field.

The Seahawks captured their third Colonial Athletic Association title last spring and are picked to successfully defend the crown behind a strong pitching staff, opportunistic offense and lockdown defense.

The mound corps features junior southpaw Mat Batts, sophomore right-hander Jordan Ramsey and junior lefty Christian MacDonald. The trio is backed up by a talented young group that gives Scalf and his club one of the deepest staffs in the CAA.

Offensively, the Seahawks feature a unique blend of speed and power. Seniors Hunter Ridge, the school’s all-time hits leader, and Tyler Molinaro, the CAA’s home run king one year ago, provide the punch. Senior second baseman Michael Bass gives the club speed and savvy on the base paths.

Scalf is one of a handful of coaches in the NCAA Division I ranks with more than 700 victories. In 22 seasons, the veteran skipper has piloted the Seahawks to five NCAA Tournaments.

Good seats are available to most games at beautiful Brooks Field. Ticket prices are $7 (reserved) and $5 (general admission) for adults, $5 for youths 15-under and $5 for UNCW faculty and staff.  Tickets may be purchased at the UNCW Athletic Ticket Office in the Trask Coliseum or by visiting UNCWsports.com.  Mention this article in person and receive a special discount.

For more information on the team, including schedule and times, check out UNCWsports.com or follow the squad on Twitter @UNCWBaseball and #omahawks. ■