Conerly’s Weekend Rundown
As we just dropped our top 25 earlier today, the early season rankings are starting to take shape.
Heading into this weekend—and the season as a whole—it felt like there was Tampa, Angelo, and then everyone else. Bold, I know. But those are the two teams that played for the national championship last season, and that's just the way it is. Angelo has a loaded lineup full of experience, and Tampa is simply a juggernaut.
This weekend, however, Angelo split its series against UT Tyler, who looks like it's neck and neck with the Rams right now. That’s why we moved UT Tyler up significantly in the rankings this week. Angelo needed a 10-8 win in the final game of the weekend to salvage the split on the road. It’s going to be a fun race between UT Tyler and Angelo in the wild Lone Star Conference.
UT Tyler's Drew Schmidt continues to be a player worth watching. Through eight games, find me better numbers than these: 16-for-26 (.615) with six doubles, one triple, 12 RBI, six walks, one strikeout, a .923 slugging percentage, .688 OBP, and a staggering 1.611 OPS. Not a bad way to kick off the season for the sophomore out of Lewisville, Texas. The Patriots’ shortstop may hit at the bottom of the order, but his offensive numbers are among the best in the country to start the season. Similarly, Jacob Guerrero is 15-for-29 (.517) with 13 runs scored and four doubles for Angelo. DBU transfer Nick Wilson has also looked sharp through two starts in his first year with the Rams (1-0, 1.64 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, 11 IP, 11 K, 1 BB). Angelo also boasts some strong arms, including Caleb Heuertz, who picked up a three-inning save over the weekend at UT Tyler.
Elsewhere in the LSC, Lubbock bounced back with a sweep over Sul Ross State to move to 4-4 on the year. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare this season after being swept by UT Tyler on opening weekend. Lubbock dominated offensively (scored 15+ runs in each game during the 4-game series sweep), hitting home runs at a high rate as well. St. Edward’s winning three of four against West Texas A&M was also notable within the LSC two weeks ago. They entered the season with high expectations but certainly struggled to get going on opening weekend.
Florida Southern Making Noise
Florida Southern deserves some attention after a weekend sweep over Georgia Southwestern. The program is trending in the right direction under Rick O’Dette, which many expected. Jack Duffy hit for the cycle—the first Mocs player to do so since 2012. Mikey Scott, a known commodity in the SSC as a first-team all-conference selection last year at St. Leo, has followed O’Dette to FSC and hit safely in all six games, helping the Mocs to a 5-1 start. Scott is 13-for-25 (.520) with nine RBI. On the mound, Sachem Ramos has delivered two quality starts, logging five innings in each outing (10 IP, 0.90 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 12 K, 1 ER). Closer Colby Rice has been dominant, earning three saves with six strikeouts while allowing just one run in three innings of work.
Chico State’s Statement
Last week, the talk was about a Chico Statement. This week, their placement in our top 25 reflects that. This is what happens when you play a tough schedule and win. First, the Wildcats took two of three at No. 5 Point Loma. Then, they won two of three at home against previously No. 23 Northwest Nazarene. Now, they gear up for a marquee battle with No. 7 Colorado Mesa this weekend—a clear series to watch. Mesa features Paul Schoenfeld (6-for-13) and All-American Kolby Felix.
North Greenville's Dominant Start
North Greenville is off to an 8-0 start, with seven of those wins coming on the road. While the competition hasn’t been elite, outscoring opponents 95-36 shows why they are one of the best teams in the nation. You’d expect them to handle business against Shorter this weekend to open Conference Carolinas play, setting up a highly anticipated home opener against top-25 UNC Pembroke the following weekend.
Seven different NGU players have homered. Their biggest “problem” might be figuring out what their final lineup looks like, as they have so many pieces at their disposal. Many guys battling for at-bats at NGU would be middle-of-the-order hitters elsewhere. Gideon Antle has started strong, hitting .333 (11-for-33) with 12 RBI. On the mound, Brody Fowler (6’7”/240) has allowed just one run through two starts (10 K, 1 BB, 1.00 ERA, 0.44 WHIP). Bennett Roemer has also been impressive, striking out 14 in 8.1 innings with a 2-0 record.
Other Notable Performances
Carson-Newman entered the top 25 after a 7-0 start, beating Trevecca and RV Charleston twice. Aiden Gibson and Nicholas Castellana have 10 hits each, while Tanner Kilgore has already launched three home runs.
Pitt State is undefeated after sweeping Truman. While the competition level isn’t high, allowing just five runs in four games is impressive over the weekend. Dagen Brewer is hitting .476 (10-for-21) with 11 RBI. Kolby Dougan looks like one of the best pitchers in the country (2-0, 0.75 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, 12 IP, 28 K, 3 BB). His 16-strikeout performance tied a school record this weekend.
RV Harding swept McKendree, including two run-rule wins.
RV Lenoir-Rhyne had a fantastic week and great start to the season. First sweeping Trevecca, then beating top-25 Young Harris twice on the road, and taking down Columbus State. Adam Skonieczki has something brewing in his first year, and transfer Mackenzie Wainwright is a huge addition (15-for-28, .536, 7 XBH, 7 RBI, 13 runs). William Girardi (16 K, 1.80 ERA) and Andrew Harlow (15 K, 0.75 ERA) are also delivering on the mound. Check out our offseason interview with coach.
RV Mount Olive took two of three from Lander, setting up a big home series against undefeated Francis Marion (7-0) this weekend. Francis Marion has outscored opponents 66-24, and new head coach Jeff Jefferson has the Patriots firing early.
Westmont swept previously RV San Francisco State, a team worth monitoring.
#9 Augustana went 3-1 on opening weekend, scoring 46 runs while allowing just 15. Preseason All-American Jack Hines hit .500 (8-for-16) with six RBI. Mariano Gomez was dominant, striking out 12 in six shutout innings.
Series to Watch Next Weekend
No. 7 Colorado Mesa (2-1) at No. 21 Chico State (4-2)
RV Molloy (0-0) at No. 18 East Stroudsburg (0-0) (Cary, N.C.)
RV Maryville at RV Pitt State (7-0)
Francis Marion (7-0) at Mount Olive (5-2)
Lee (5-2) at Delta State (4-3) – GSC opener
Lake Erie (2-1) at No. 8 UIndy (0-0)
Northwood (0-0) vs. Davenport (0-0) (Johnson City, Tenn.)
UVA Wise (9-1) at RV Wingate (3-3) (SAC conference play)
#9 Augustana at Washburn
Lake Erie is intriguing after beating ranked UNC Pembroke in their opener. Can they do it again at No. 8 UIndy? Meanwhile, East Stroudsburg faces a strong early test against RV Molloy, then have D'Youville the following weekend.
Plenty of great matchups on deck!
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