Elon Baseball Hosts VMI for Weekend Series

ELON, N.C. – For just the second time since 1932, the Elon University baseball team will face VMI as the Phoenix hosts the Keydets for a three-game series at Latham Park this weekend. The set will begin with a 4 p.m. first pitch on Friday, March 17 and will continue with a 2 p.m. contest on Saturday before concluding at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

GAME NOTES

Tickets
Tickets are available for $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at elonphoenix.com or at the ticket windows at Latham Park beginning one hour prior to first pitch.

Parking
Free parking for baseball games at Latham Park is available in the Ingold Parking Lot adjacent to the stadium. Parking is also available across the stree in the Hunt Softball Parking Lot.

Latham Park Regulations
• Elon reserves the right to remove from Latham Park anyone who is intoxicated, using foul or abusive language or behaving inappropriately.
• In accordance with Elon University policies, alcohol and tobacco products are prohitbited in Latham Park.
• Per league policy, artificial noisemakers of any kind are prohibited in Latham Park.
• In accordance with Elon University policy, pets are not premitted within the gates of Latham Park. Only service animals may be brought into the facility.
• Umbrellas are prohibited inside Latham Park.
• Only student-athletes, officials and authorized personnel are permitted onto the field.
• Gates open 60 minutes prior to first pitch.

Baseball Alumni Weekend
The Elon University baseball team will welcome back former players for an Alumni Weekend when the Phoenix takes on CAA foe James Madison March 31-April 2. Over the course of the weekend, the teams from 1985, 1987, 1989, 1997 and 2002 will be recognized, however, Alumni Weekend is open to all former Elon players from any era.

For more information on the event, or to register for the weekend, click HERE.

Pitching Matchups
Friday – Elon: So. RH Ryan Conroy (2-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. VMI: So. RH Josh Winder (3-0, 3.26 ERA)
Saturday – Elon: Sr. LH Jordan Barrett (1-1, 6.28 ERA) vs. VMI: Jr. RH Matt Eagle (2-0, 2.45 ERA)
Saturday – Elon: Fr. RH Kyle Brnovich (0-2, 5.00 ERA) vs. VMI: Jr. LH Brandon Barbery (0-2, 7.79 ERA)

Series History
Elon and VMI have played seven times before this weekend series, but only one of those has come since 1932. That most recent meeting, a 5-4 Elon win, came at Latham Park on March 11, 2003. The two first met in 1915 with VMI picking up a 7-5 victory. Elon leads the series 5-2.

Preseason Prognostications
In its third season in the CAA, the league’s coaches selected the Phoenix to finish fifth in the preseason poll. Senior CJ Young was honored as a preseason all-CAA selection.

1. UNCW (8)
2. William & Mary (1)
3. College of Charleston
4. Delaware
5. Elon
6. James Madison
7. Northeastern
8. Towson
9. Hofstra

Oh Captain, My Captain
Head coach Mike Kennedy announced prior to the 2017 season that five players will serve as team captains this year. Seniors Jordan Barrett, Danny Crowe and Will Nance will be joined by sophomore Ryne Ogren and red-shirt freshman Cam Devanney as the Phoenix captains in 2017.

Quick Feet
After stealing just 37 bases over the course of the 2016 season, the Phoenix showed off some speed during its opening weekend against Longwood. The maroon and gold was successful on 10 of its 13 steal attempts against the Lancers.

On the year, Elon now has stolen 15 bases in 20 tries.

Tough Slate
Elon’s 2017 schedule features 14 games against teams that participated in NCAA Tournament action a year ago. Of the Phoenix’s 14 non-conference opponents, seven were selected to finish in the top three of their league (or division). Among them were league (or division) preseason favorites in East Carolina (1st AAC), UNCG (1st SoCon), High Point (1st Big South) and North Carolina (1st ACC Coastal Division).