This week
The Point Loma baseball team will welcome in defending PacWest champions Dixie State for a four-game series on Apr. 8-9. The teams will play doubleheaders both days starting at Noon. This will be the first series the Point Loma baseball team has hosted since late February.
 
Pitching matchups (PLNU vs. DSU)
Game 1: Kellen Sheppard (5-2, 1.72 era) vs. Chance Abrath (2-2, 4.96 era)
Game 2: Nathan Bennett (1-0, 0.00 era) vs. Preston Hannay (3-0, 3.32 era)
Game 3: Trevor Abshire (2-2, 3.96 era) vs. Dylan File (3-0, 2.96 era)
Game 4: Kevin Lillicrop (5-0, 3.05 era) vs. Mason Hilty (7-0, 3.04 era)
 
Follow along
If you are unable to attend this week's games they will all be available for fans to follow on live stats and live video. Live stats will be free of charge while video stream will vary in price based on the venue. PLNU home games are $8.95 on a pay-per-view basis. To access both live stats and live video visit plnusealions.com/gameday.
 
Tickets available now for the PacWest Big League Bash
Tickets for the baseball game at Angels Stadium on April 20 between Point Loma and California Baptist are on sale now for $24 apiece. The package will include access to the PLNU alumni tailgate party, field level seats for both games of the PacWest Big League Bash and a ticket a Los Angeles Angels vs. Seattle Mariners game (Sept. 12). To order your tickets to the PacWest Big League Bash click here.
 
Fiesta Fridays return on April 8
For the second consecutive year, Point Loma will be holding a Fiesta Friday celebration at all its Friday games. This season the Sea Lions have teamed up with Miguel's Cocina to provide chips, salsa and their famous white sauce at every Fiesta Friday. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
 
Baseball hosts Military Day on April 9
PLNU Athletics will also be hosting its first Military Day during baseball on Saturday, Apr. 9. The Sea Lions will be honoring all former and active military members, and their admission to the game is free.  Members of the Wounded Warriors Project will be on hand to throw out the first pitch and participate in other in-game recognition. If you are a veteran or active military member and are interested in participating email Emily Jurenka at ejurenka@pointloma.edu for more information.
 
Weather watch
There is a threat of rain currently for the series this weekend. All day Thursday it has been raining on the PLNU campus. Friday showers are expected in the morning but are expected to taper off as the day goes along. Saturday is the concern with 50% chance of rain in the morning that increases to 70% in the afternoon.
 
A look at the Sea Lions
The Point Loma baseball team is 18-10 this season and in sixth in the PacWest standings with a 7-7 record. The Sea Lions split a series on the road last week at Azusa Pacific, getting victories in games 1 and 4.
 
During the four-game series, Ryan Garcia led the Point Loma offense by going 11-for-17 to raise his average to .385. He ranks third in the PacWest in batting average and continues to lead the league in runs batted in with 36. He is also third in home runs (nine), and fifth in both on-base (.469) and slugging percentage (.661). Devin Carter is sixth in the PacWest in batting average (.377), sixth in stolen bases and ninth in runs scored (27). As a team, PLNU is third in the PacWest in batting average (.313), home runs (26) and on-base percentage (.389).
 
Kevin Lillicrop picked up Sea Lion of the Week honors after pitching PLNU to a win in the series finale, allowing Point Loma to pick up the road split. The junior right hander went seven innings, allowing four hits and no walks while matching a career-high with eight strike outs. He now 5-0 on the season with a 3.05 era. Those five wins tie him for fifth in the PacWest. Kellen Sheppard is leading the Sea Lions' starters and ranks second in the PacWest with a 1.72 era. Opponents are hitting just .241 off him and he owns a 6-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The PLNU pitching staff is second in the PacWest with a 3.10 era and leads the league in least walks allowed.
 
A look at the Red Storm
Dixie State is 28-6 this season and one-game back of first place in the PacWest standings with a 16-4 record in conference play. The Red Storm are rolling right now with 10 straight victories. They are also 19-3 on the road in 2016. Tanner Morache leads the PacWest and Dixie State with a .432 batting average and 60 hits. He is also pacing the league in doubles and is third in on-base percentage (.478). Second baseman Drew McLaughlin is also among the conference leaders with 33 runs scored and 31 runs batted in. Pitcher Dylan File is 10th in the PacWest with a .296 earned run average. He is also sixth in strike outs and ninth in opponent batting average (.243).
 
Next week
PLNU will be at home again next weekend when they host Academy of Art in a four-game series on Apr. 15-16.