Final homestand of 2015 begins with Newman on Wednesday

Fort Hays State baseball begins its final homestand of the 2015 season on Wednesday when it hosts Newman University at Larks Park in Hays at 5 p.m. The game begins a five-game homestand this week, which ends with a four-game series against Emporia State Friday through Sunday.

The Tigers (14-23 overall) look to continue their solid play of late. FHSU has won eight of its last 10 games, including six of its last eight MIAA contests. The Tigers have to remain hot to have a chance to move up in the MIAA standings and possibly grab a spot in the conference tournament. The Tigers are 11-17 in MIAA play, just three games back of eighth place in the standings, held by Lindenwood and Northwest Missouri State as both have records at the .500 mark.

FHSU looks to avenge a loss to Newman from earlier in the year. The Jets defeated the Tigers in Wichita on March 11 by a score of 11-0.

With four home runs last week, Cooper Langley moved into a tie for sixth in the nation in home runs for the season with 15. He now leads the MIAA. The Tigers are now tied for second nationally in home runs with 59 on the season, matching Seton Hill as of April 13. Wingate is the national leader with 61. FHSU is also second in home runs per game at 1.59, only behind Seton Hill.

Kevin Czarnecki remains hot at the plate, now with his season batting average at .405. He has 20 extra-base hits on the season, which includes 10 doubles and nine home runs.

Following the game with Newman on Wednesday, the Tigers are scheduled to begin the four-game series with Emporia State on Friday night at 7 p.m.