Hounds tabbed for 11th in LSC baseball poll

RICHARDSON, Texas – Eastern New Mexico University’s baseball team was picked to finish 11th of 13 teams in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll on Monday.

The Greyhounds (17-31, 16-30 LSC in 2022) received 88 points in voting done by LSC coaches and sports information personnel, as well as media representatives throughout the region.

Defending LSC champion Angelo State earned the top spot in the poll, garnering 23 of 32 first-place votes and 407 points. The Rams posted a 51-14 overall record last season – tied for the most wins in a season in program history – and made their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II baseball tournament.

West Texas A&M received eight first-place votes and finished second in the poll with 315 points, while Texas A&M-Kingsville got the final first-place tally and was third at 315. Lubbock Christian earned 298 points and edged out St. Edward’s (296) and Texas-Tyler (291) for fourth place in the poll.

The Hounds were able to slip past Cameron (82) and Texas-Permian Basin (47) at the bottom of the poll.

Preseason individual honors went to West Texas A&M senior infielder Adam Becker and St. Edward’s senior right-handed pitcher Wesley Gafford for preseason player and pitcher of the year recognition.

Behind them, 19 conference players – 10 position players, nine pitchers – were chosen in the “players to watch category. Representing ENMU on those lists was sophomore outfielder-designated hitter Spencer Roach and junior left-handed pitcher Ruger Bravo.

The season begins on Feb. 3, with ENMU opening in a series at Angelo State. Conference teams will play 12 four-game series – one against each league foe – plus two non-conference contests for a total of 50 games.

Eight teams will advanced to the LSC postseason tournament, with first-round, best-of-three series at home sites from May 5-7 and a four-team, double-elimination tournament set for May 11-13. The tournament winner will be recognized as the league champion and receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

To see the preseason poll, go to http://www.easternnewmexiconews.com under “Local scoreboard – Jan. 25.”