UNA will battle the weather

FLORENCE -- Although the weather this week may not suggest it's time for baseball, North Alabama is ready to get its season started.

UNA opens its season at home today with a single game against Arkansas Tech. The game was originally scheduled to be a doubleheader, but was changed due to tonight's roast of UNA coach Mike Lane. The doubleheader will now be played Sunday.

Lane said the Lions have been somewhat limited by the weather, but he is anxious to see how his team responds in a real game.

"The main thing for us is that we just need to play," Lane said. "It has been cold, so practices have been tough. Our defense has not been playing real well and out pitching has been up and down. But we just need to play and see how our guys react."

UNA returns just three starters from last year's team that finished 38-20. Outfielders Josh Phillips and Trey Pollard, along with third baseman A.J. Reed will be counted upon to provide leadership for UNA.

A trademark of UNA teams under Lane has been playing smallball -- bunting and stealing bases -- and this year's team should fit that mold.

Phillips stole 37 bases last year. Matt Horton, who will take over at shortstop, along with outfielders Jarrett Shepherd and Ross Parker also have outstanding speed.

"We have to be able to bunt and do the little things you have to do to win games," Lane said. "Our guys have to be able to hit to the opposite field and run the bases well. If we can do that we have a chance to score some runs."

Senior right-hander Richard Brindle is expected to get the start for UNA today. Brindle was 9-2 with a 4.08 ERA last season.

UNA was picked to finish third in the GSC East in preseason voting by the conference coaches. Arkansas Tech (19-29 in 2006) was picked to finish fifth in the GSC West.

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@timesdaily.com.