FROM CBD NEWS SOURCE
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Five games at Fluor Field, including a clash against reigning NCAA champion South Carolina highlight Furman’s 2011 baseball schedule, which was released today by head coach Ron Smith.
Furman will play the Gamecocks on Mar. 15 at Fluor Field as part of a 30-game home slate that also features clashes with Michigan State (Feb. 26), Cincinnati (Feb. 27), Georgia (Mar. 2), and Clemson (May 10) at the beautiful downtown facility, which serves as the home of the Single A South Atlantic League Greenville Drive.
The Paladins open the season on Feb. 18 at Latham Stadium with a three-game series versus Ohio before hitting the road for the first time to face Charleston Southern (Feb. 22). Furman will begin Southern Conference play with six consecutive road games, leading off with a three-game set versus Davidson starting on Mar. 4.
The 2011 SoCon Tournament is scheduled for May 25-28 in Charleston, S.C.
Furman returns 22 lettermen, among whom are eight position starters, including designated hitter, and eight pitchers.
The Paladins posted a 19-37 record a year ago but won their last six SoCon regular season games to quality for league tournament play. Among the top returnees is 2010 SoCon Freshman of the Year, second baseman Will Muzika (.329, 14 HR, 55 RBI), who paced a Paladin attack that slugged a program record 71 home runs a year ago.
