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Countdown to Opening Day: Season Preview - Second Basemen

Feb. 9, 2011

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By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com

Part One - C
Part Two - 1B

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Going around the horn, part three of UCFAthletics.com's season preview of the 2011 UCF baseball team looks at second base.

Second Basemen
-Jr. Travis Shreve - Transfer from Skagit Valley College in Washington
-So. Austin Johnston - Started 44 games as a freshman at second base in 2010
-Fr. Spencer Haynes - Drafted in the 43rd round by Oakland last summer

Already proving to be a vocal inspiration and a gritty ballplayer on the field everyday, Travis Shreve ventured to UCF out of his hometown of Auburn, Wash. The second Skagit Valley College product on the roster (Alex Besaw), Shreve may jump into the starting lineup at second base following a solid fall and impressive preseason.

UCF's regular starter in 2010, Austin Johnston, also has plenty of potential to return to second this year. As a freshman, Johnston played in 50 games and finished with a .266 average while being part of a defense that set a UCF record by turning 61 double plays. He also laid down 12 sac bunts, good for fourth in single-season history. Johnston also spent a little time at third base last season and could make an appearance at the hot corner depending on injuries.

And Spencer Haynes has a successful background out of Brandon High School. A 43rd round pick by the Oakland Athletics in 2010, he was the school's defensive player of the year three-straight seasons and helped lead BHS to the 2008 Saladino Tournament crown.

Opening Day is quickly approaching, as the Black and Gold will host Siena Friday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m. in game one of a three-game weekend series. Season and single-game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (407) 823-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com's Tickets section.