Preseason Practice Report
2/17/2009 5:11:00 AM | Baseball
STATESBORO, Ga. ? The Georgia Southern Baseball team is getting ready for the season-opener this Friday night (Feb. 20) at J.I. Clements Stadium against Presbyterian. The three-game series kicks off with a 7 p.m. scheduled first pitch.
Head coach Rodney Hennon worked his team out under the lights on Monday night.
“The biggest thing about Monday was the class conflicts. We had a couple of pitchers who needed to get work in during intersquad before Friday so we decided to push it (practice time) back,” said Hennon. “But it's good to be under the lights since we're going to play at 7:00 Friday night. It'll be a little cooler once the sun goes down but those are the conditions we're going to be playing in so it's good to get the practice.”
According to Hennon, practice has been going well since the initial time out on February 1.
“Overall we've been pleased. We have been able to get out and scrimmage quite a bit. Our guys have worked hard. I think in this point of the year you're ready to play someone else.”
Two pitchers have stood out so far. “Chris Mederos has been impressive his last couple of outings. Charles Matthews out of the bullpen has been very consistent here in preseason practice,” stated Hennon. “I think Kyle Blackburn has been swinging a hot bat. Overall I like the effort we have been getting.”
The majority of last year's record-setting offense returns. “You have Ty Wright, Phillip Porter, A.J. Wirnsberger, Griffin Benedict and we have been putting Matt Miller in the five hole,” said Hennon. “Kyle (Blackburn) has been in the six hole since he's been swinging a good bat. Will Southwell and Brian Pierce have been seven and eight. Kevin Bowles and Jake Ware are battling at second base.
“We have some good competition at second base, both Kevin and Jake have been playing well. Jonathan King has been coming along the last couple of scrimmages. (Infielder) Eric Phillips is a true freshman. Randy Williams has done a good job behind the plate along with Griffin. There are some other guys you feel good about getting in the mix as well,” said Hennon.
WEEKEND ROTATION SET: Head coach Rodney Hennon announced his starting rotation for this weekend. The Presbyterian series kicks off a stretch of five games in six days, as the Eagles play host to Georgia Tech for two midweek games.
Chris Mederos and Andy Moye will start Friday and Saturday, respectively. Michael Hester is scheduled for the start on Sunday and Hennon said expect to see Colin Snow in that game as well.
ALUMNI RETURNING THIS WEEKEND: In addition to the season opener, numerous baseball alumni will return to J.I. Clements for a reunion. Four members will be inducted into the Mason Clements ?Wall of Fame': Rob Fitzpatrick (1987-90), Luis Ramos (1982-83, 85), Jeff Shireman (1985-88) and Craig Cooper (1983-86). The induction ceremony will take place Saturday morning at the stadium.
MORE HONORS FOR TWO EAGLES: The preseason honors keep rolling in for senior catcher Griffin Benedict and junior third baseman A.J. Wirnsberger. The duo was Honorable Mention Preseason All-America by College Baseball Insider as announced on Tuesday. They, along with senior Ty Wright, were tabbed on several Preseason All-America lists.
SEASON TICKETS ARE ON SALE: Season tickets for the upcoming 2009 season are currently on sale. For ticket information call the ticket office at 800-GSU-WINS.
Head coach Rodney Hennon worked his team out under the lights on Monday night.
“The biggest thing about Monday was the class conflicts. We had a couple of pitchers who needed to get work in during intersquad before Friday so we decided to push it (practice time) back,” said Hennon. “But it's good to be under the lights since we're going to play at 7:00 Friday night. It'll be a little cooler once the sun goes down but those are the conditions we're going to be playing in so it's good to get the practice.”
According to Hennon, practice has been going well since the initial time out on February 1.
“Overall we've been pleased. We have been able to get out and scrimmage quite a bit. Our guys have worked hard. I think in this point of the year you're ready to play someone else.”
Two pitchers have stood out so far. “Chris Mederos has been impressive his last couple of outings. Charles Matthews out of the bullpen has been very consistent here in preseason practice,” stated Hennon. “I think Kyle Blackburn has been swinging a hot bat. Overall I like the effort we have been getting.”
The majority of last year's record-setting offense returns. “You have Ty Wright, Phillip Porter, A.J. Wirnsberger, Griffin Benedict and we have been putting Matt Miller in the five hole,” said Hennon. “Kyle (Blackburn) has been in the six hole since he's been swinging a good bat. Will Southwell and Brian Pierce have been seven and eight. Kevin Bowles and Jake Ware are battling at second base.
“We have some good competition at second base, both Kevin and Jake have been playing well. Jonathan King has been coming along the last couple of scrimmages. (Infielder) Eric Phillips is a true freshman. Randy Williams has done a good job behind the plate along with Griffin. There are some other guys you feel good about getting in the mix as well,” said Hennon.
WEEKEND ROTATION SET: Head coach Rodney Hennon announced his starting rotation for this weekend. The Presbyterian series kicks off a stretch of five games in six days, as the Eagles play host to Georgia Tech for two midweek games.
Chris Mederos and Andy Moye will start Friday and Saturday, respectively. Michael Hester is scheduled for the start on Sunday and Hennon said expect to see Colin Snow in that game as well.
ALUMNI RETURNING THIS WEEKEND: In addition to the season opener, numerous baseball alumni will return to J.I. Clements for a reunion. Four members will be inducted into the Mason Clements ?Wall of Fame': Rob Fitzpatrick (1987-90), Luis Ramos (1982-83, 85), Jeff Shireman (1985-88) and Craig Cooper (1983-86). The induction ceremony will take place Saturday morning at the stadium.
MORE HONORS FOR TWO EAGLES: The preseason honors keep rolling in for senior catcher Griffin Benedict and junior third baseman A.J. Wirnsberger. The duo was Honorable Mention Preseason All-America by College Baseball Insider as announced on Tuesday. They, along with senior Ty Wright, were tabbed on several Preseason All-America lists.
SEASON TICKETS ARE ON SALE: Season tickets for the upcoming 2009 season are currently on sale. For ticket information call the ticket office at 800-GSU-WINS.
Georgia Southern Football Media Availability (3/3/26)
Tuesday, March 03
The GATA Zone - Women's Basketball Post Season
Tuesday, March 03
2026 Only For Southern
Thursday, February 26
2026 Georgia Southern Football Ticket Video
Wednesday, February 25
