Coca-Cola Classic Game 1: Liberty Flames

[oxfordrebel]

The Rebels will start the 2009 campaign in Mobile, AL at the Coca-Cola Classic at Stanky Field hosted by the University of South Alabama. First opponent up are the Liberty University Flames. Here are some quick facts:

Conference: Big South

Website: Liberty Flames Athletics

Current Record: 0-0 (0-0)

Current W/L Streak: No streak yet.

Current rank:
Did not rank in any pre-season polls.

Current Pseudo-RPI (Boyd's World): 2009 RPIs have not been released yet.

Team Stats: No stats

2008 Final Record: 36-25-1; lost in Big South Championship Game.

All-time Series Record: This will be the first ever meeting between the Rebels and the Flames.

Projected Starter (2008 Stats)
RHP Dustin Umberger - 3.08 ERA; 8-3 (2 SV); 9 Starts; 2 CG; 83 IP; 85 H; 40 R; 35 ER; 19 BB; 88 K


Other notes:

Head Coach Jim Toman is in his second season at the helm of the Flames baseball program. His 36-25-1 mark was the best by a first year head coach in Liberty history.

The Flames ended 2008 as the Big South Runner-up for the 3rd straight year. 5 short innings were all that separated the Flames from an NCAA Regional berth last year.

There are 19 new playes on the Liberty roster this season; however they do return 11 from a year ago including C Errol Hollinger and RHP Dustin Umberger. Hollinger is a 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Watch List member. Umberger was the Big South strikeout leader last year.

Three new faces are in the infield for the Flames. The lone returner, 1B Cody Brown, played 3B last season.

Two new players are in the outfield. Both are JUCO transfers. Jeff Jefferson is the only returning player in the outfield for Liberty.

First pitch is set for 1:00 pm Friday

[MtownRebel]

Out of class at 12:50, Coors on ice, radio ready...It's baseball time in Oxford.