ELON, N.C. – Elon will begin a five-game homestand by hosting the North Carolina Tar Heels at Latham Park on Tuesday, March 31. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
Live Coverage
Fans can follow the Phoenix via live stats by going to the Elon baseball schedule page at elonphoenix.com. Twitter updates will be posted on the @ElonScores account or fans can register to have score updates texted to their phone. Fans can listen to the game on WSML 104.5 FM and 1200 AM as Taylor Durham and Matt Krause will call the game. The radio feed will also be available at elonphoenix.com. A free video feed will also be available through Phoenix All-Access.
Starting Pitchers
Tuesday, March 31
Elon: RH Mike Krill (1-0, 2.81 ERA, 16.0 IP, 11 K)
North Carolina: LH Hunter Williams (1-1, 1.32 ERA, 13.2 IP, 12 K)
The Series
Elon and North Carolina will meet for the 43rd time on the baseball diamond on Tuesday evening. The maroon and gold has collected nine wins in the series that dates to 1909. UNC has won eight straight in the series, including a 12-6 decision at Elon last year.
Coaching Continuity
Elon skipper Mike Kennedy is in his 19th year at the helm of his alma mater, but what may be more impressive is the tenure of his staff. Associate head coach Greg Starbuck is in his 17th season at Elon and assistant coach Robbie Huffstetler is in his 12th year in the maroon and gold. That group is one of just six in Division I baseball to have been together for at least 12 seasons. The others are Minnesota (33/30/17), Lamar (38/17/15), Miami (22/16/13), Virginia (12/12/12) and Gonzaga (12/12/12).
A Strong Offense
Through games played on March 22, the Elon offense ranked among the best in the nation. The Phoenix is rated 30th nationally in batting average (.303), 20th in scoring (7.4 runs per game), 20th in on-base percentage (.397) and 48th in slugging percentage (.428).
In the State
With 18 NCAA Division I baseball programs in the state of North Carolina, Elon rarely has to venture far for games. This year, the Phoenix will play 20 games against in-state foes. So far, the maroon and gold is 4-6 against teams from North Carolina.
Power Surge
A year after hitting just 31 home runs as a team, Elon has belted 18 long balls this season. The Phoenix power is led by senior Chris King who has eight dingers and is among the nation’s leaders in homers. King hit a total of seven home runs in 2014.
Elon Baseball Live Radio Show
The Elon Baseball Live Radio Show returned on Monday, March 30. There will be four more shows this spring, each being broadcast live from Mellow Mushroom on Huffman Mill Road in Burlington from 7-8 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out to the show to hear from Phoenix head coach Mike Kennedy and select players. The other dates, all Mondays, will be April 13, April 20, May 4 and May 11.
On Deck
The Phoenix will welcome the Northeastern Huskies to Latham Park for three conference games this weekend. Friday’s game is set for 6:30 p.m., Saturday’s first pitch will be thrown at 4 p.m. and Sunday’s finale will begin at 12:30 p.m. All three games can be heard on WSML 104.5 FM/1200 AM and at elonphoenix.com.