MOBILE, Ala. -- After wrapping up the practice portion of its fall schedule, the University of South Alabama baseball team is looking ahead to bigger things -- the 2007 Red and Blue World Series. The first game of the best-of-seven event is slated for Sunday at 2 p.m. at Stanky Field.
After Sunday's game, the teams will play again Monday at 5 before taking a few days off. Game No. 3 is slated for Thursday at 5 p.m. with the fourth game being played next Saturday at 11 a.m. The final three games, if needed, will take place Sunday, Oct. 14, Wednesday, Oct. 17 and Thursday, Oct. 18. Admission is free to all the games.
"The Red and Blue Series is something our players, fans and coaches look forward to," Head Coach Steve Kittrell said. " The players have fun, but they get after it. This is the only way to get game intensity because we don't play outside competition."
Under NCAA rules, Division I teams are alloted 132 days for practice and playing during the academic year. The Jaguars will use 32 of those days during the fall to put in the majority of their offensive and defensive systems.
"We have been slowed by a few injuries, but overall, it was a pretty good practice term," Kittrell admitted. "I like the makeup of this team. We have good leadership and a strong intensity. We have a lot of depth on the mound this year, so much that we are uncertain who our fourth and fifth starters will be."
There is little doubt who the No. 1 starter is at this point as senior Kevin Nabors has proven himself during drills. The right-hander was 3-1 with a 4.67 ERA last year, striking out 28 in 34.2 innings pitched. In the field, the middle is the strength as Ryne Jernigan, Bunky Kateon and Derek O'Reilly are competing at second base and shortstop, while senior Ray Kruml is virtually locked into center field. David Doss has been moved behind the plate after spending last year at third.
"We return a lot of players, but the ones we lost were key -- three went to the pros," Kittrell continued. "We have more experience this year in our position players and will field a solid luneup, top to bottom. It is going to be important for everyone to compete, especially early with our tough schedule."
The 2008 schedule has not been officially announced, but the Jaguars will open play Feb. 22 in the annual Coca-Cola Classic.
