FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team is set to open its 52nd campaign this weekend with a three-game series in Alva, Okla. The Tigers open the 2017 season against Northwest Missouri State in a neutral site, non-conference affair at noon Friday (Feb. 3) before facing off with Northwestern Oklahoma State later in the day at 3 p.m. The first weekend of the season will wrap up Saturday with another 3 p.m. matchup with the Rangers of NWOSU.
Live stats will be available for all three games, with live video being provided for the two games against the Rangers.
The Tigers are coming off a 23-26 season in 2016, winning their final four games to close the year on a positive note. A total of 14 players return from last season, including a pair of all-conference performers in Nick Hammeke and Alex Weiss. Seven other players return after redshirting the 2016 season, with a total of 19 new faces joining the Tiger family.
Northwest Missouri State will bookend the Tigers schedule this season, with the teams also playing a three-game conference series in Maryville, Mo. to wrap up the regular season in May. Fort Hays State is 22-25 against the Bearcats all-time, including a three-game sweep to close the regular season last year in Hays. The Bearcats were picked to finish ninth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and return four All-MIAA performers, including front end starter Anthony Caenepeel. The Bearcats finished 25-28 last season, winning one game in the MIAA tournament.
The Tigers will renew an old rivalry with Northwestern Oklahoma State this weekend. The teams have not played since the 1992 season but played on a regular basis in the 1970s and 1980s. The Rangers hold a slim 10-9 edge in the all-time series. NWOSU was picked to finish 10th in the 12-team Great American Conference after going 14-35 overall last season.
Fort Hays State will make its home debut next weekend in a three-game series against New Mexico Highlands. Opening Day at Larks Park will be Friday, February 10 with first pitch set for 2 p.m.