May 1, 2012
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By Eric DeSalvo
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The No. 13 UCF baseball team will make the 42-mile trek to DeLand for the first of two midweek contests with Stetson Wednesday night at 6:30. The Knights (35-10) currently own a 10-game winning streak against the Hatters (29-14) dating back to 2007.
All the action from Melching Field at Conrad Park can be heard live on 740-AM The Game with The Voice of the Knights, Marc Daniels, getting underway at 6:15 p.m. with the pregame show.
Both teams have loads of history with each other dating back to 1975 when the rivalry began. UCF holds the all-time advantage in the series, 69-48, and it is the most frequently played opponent for the Knights since the program began in 1973.
UCF, who will host the Hatters on May 15, will send senior righty Ray Hanson to the mound. The Long Beach, Calif., native has flourished in both midweek and weekend starts during his career, including a 4-1 record and a 2.88 ERA this season. He will be opposed on the mound by Stetson rookie Josh Powers (2-1, 2.84 ERA).
The Hatters are no stranger for Hanson as he notched a midweek victory at Conrad Park by tossing five innings of three-hit ball to ensure the season sweep last year.
In 2012, the Knights have been stellar on the road, compiling a 12-2 record and five-straight triumphs as the visitors.
Golden Spikes Watch List
Tuesday afternoon, first baseman D.J. Hicks was named to the Golden Spikes Watch List. USA Baseball released its 60-man roster, bringing the organization one step closer to naming the top amateur baseball player in the country.
The Watch List will continue to be a "rolling" list until May 29 -- when the final 30 semifinalists for the award are announced -- ensuring that athletes can play themselves into consideration for the award. The Golden Spikes Award trophy will be awarded live at MLB Network's studios for the second year in a row, with a presentation scheduled for Friday, July 6.
Hicks has the chance to become UCF's third finalist for the coveted award as Tim Barker (1985) and Chris Duffy (2010) were both recognized by USA Baseball.