MARSHALL, TX- Opening the regular season playing nine of their first 10 games on the road, the East Texas Baptist University baseball team is set to host their first American Southwest Conference home series of the season on Feb. 25-26. ETBU will take on Hardin-Simmons University, starting with a double-header on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 1:00 p.m. The Tigers will conclude the three-game series on Monday, at 1 p.m. ETBU is currently 6-4 overall and 1-0 at Woods Field.

Heading into the ASC contest, HSU is currently 1-5 overall, losing their last five games after opening the season with a 9-0 victory over Hendrix College. ETBU last defeated the Cowboys 8-7 in last year's ASC Tournament in Richardson, Texas. HSU is led by the pitching of senior Ty Engelhardt, who has tallied 11 strikeouts, a 1.20 ERA and an overall record of 1-1 on the season.

Leading the way for ETBU this season is pitcher Blaine Parker. The freshman has collected two wins on the mound, while recording an ERA of 1.06. Zach Gartner mans the lead in hits (15), batting average, and doubles, as well as three triples. KJ Miller has recorded the most runs for ETBU, tallying six early on this season, including one home run in the team's only home game at Woods Field thus far.

Heading into the team's first conference competition of the season, Head Coach Jared Hood talked about the mindset of his players overall.

"I'm pleased where our team is. Obviously, as far as our record we're doing ok but we always want to get better. We've played some decent baseball and we've had a lot of guys step up. We know we have to come out prepared. HSU always plays us tough and it's going to be a good series," Hood said.

First pitch for the weekend matchup is set for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25.