Baseball team ready to open conference season Wednesday

The Eastern Florida State College baseball team will open the Southern Conference schedule Wednesday with a three-game series against Indian River State College.

The Titans will begin the series at Indian River State College Wednesday at Lawnwood Sports Complex at 2 p.m. Game 2 of the series will be Friday at 5 p.m. at Bruce Bochy Field with the final game of the series back at Indian River State College Saturday at 1 p.m.

"We are excited, the great thing about getting ready for conference season is it is a fresh start," Eastern Florida State College baseball coach Steven Brown said. "Indian River is an unbelievable team, they play hard and do it on both sides – they can pitch and hit. We are looking forward to a fun series."

Eastern Florida State College starter Nick Feretic will get the ball in Game 1. Feretic is fourth in the state in earned run average this year, posting a 2.03 ERA over six starts. The New Jersey native is 3-2 on the season.

Offensively, outfielder Don McKnight III is hitting .368 in 76 at-bats this season for the Titans. Teammate Dalton Robinson is second in Region VIII in stolen bases with 12. As a team the Titans are second in the state in stolen bases with 70 heading into conference play.

"The pitching staff has no doubt carried this team, I am really excited about our pitchers this season," Brown said. "Our offense has started to pick it up, guys are starting to step up after some injuries. We have played an extremely tough schedule this season and I truly believe that is going to prepare us for the tough conference season ahead."

Indian River State College comes into conference play leading Region VIII in hitting with a team batting average of .346. The Pioneers are 20-5 heading into conference play and have won four games.

Eastern Florida State College is 11-13-1 heading into conference play.