ST. GEORGE, Utah-Friday-Sunday, No. 24 Dixie State baseball (11-3) commences its Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference season by hosting the Adams State Grizzlies (5-9) at Bruce Hurst Field.
This series will conclude the Trailblazers’ 11-game home stand and features single games on Friday and Sunday along with a Saturday doubleheader.
Dixie State is coached by eighth-year head coach Chris Pfatenhauer who is 250-128-1 (.661) at the helm of the Trailblazers’ program.
Friday, Dixie State goes with right-handed pitcher Justin Dunham (2-0, 1.37 ERA). Saturday, the Trailblazers will ride with left-handed pitcher Jack Gonzales (1-0, 3.00 ERA) and an undetermined hurler for the second game of the twin-bill.
In the series finale, left-handed hurler Tevita Gerber (3-0, 3.68 ERA) gets the nod for Dixie State.
Leading the Trailblazers in batting average (minimum of 20 at-bats) is senior first baseman/designated hitter Jake Engel (.444). He also leads Dixie State in hits (20) and RBI (16). Engel’s four home runs tie him for the team lead with senior catcher Cade Spurlin.
Adams State is coached by eighth-year head coach James Capra who is 97-263 (.269) as the Grizzlies’ skipper.
This weekend, the Grizzlies will go with right-handed pitcher Alfredo Villa (1-1, 7.63 ERA) Friday. Saturday, Adams State trots out right-handed hurler Troy Gutbub (1-2, 8.44 ERA) and left-handed pitcher Dalton Carleo (0-3, 8.56 ERA). Sunday, Adams State goes with right-handed pitcher Cutter Smith (1-0, 11.12 ERA).
The Grizzlies are led in batting average by senior right-handed pitcher/infielder Kolton Bleggi (.441).
Bleggi’s 15 hits also lead Adams State.
Redshirt senior outfielder Nico Nintze leads the Grizzlies in home runs (2) and junior catcher Cedrick Reynaud paces Adams State with 9 RBI.
Dixie State leads the Grizzlies 4-0 all-time.
