Newcomer Lodise excited for first Battle of the River at SRP
By Shelbie Summerlin | Sports writer
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.—The Augusta University baseball team will play USC Aiken on Wednesday, March 29, in a nonconference matchup at SRP Park.
First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. The Jaguars enter with a 13-15 record, while the Pacers are 20-10.
AU freshman shortstop Kyle Lodise is looking forward to his first outing at SRP Park as a Jaguar.
“I think the most exciting part is the atmosphere and the fans as well as just playing against Aiken,” said Lodise. “It’s definitely a different atmosphere than playing at home. Looking up at thousands of seats and fans and turning around looking at the Jumbotron behind you. The big bright lights beaming on top of you—it’s just a different environment, and playing in a minor-league stadium is just exciting.”
According to Lodise, tonight’s contest is important for the Jaguars to see the Pacers before their conference series at Aiken later this season. The two teams will meet April 6-8 in Peach Belt Conference action.
“It gives us a good look to see how they are before conference play,” said Lodise. “It’s a really good opportunity to fix some things, move some things around, see what works, see what doesn’t work, especially in an atmosphere like that.”
Lodise is batting .311 with four home runs and 21 RBI (second best on the AU squad). The Brunswick High School product has scored a team-leading 29 runs. He also leads the team in walks with 16.
Other Jaguars who are having strong seasons at the bat include Koby Ayala, Pat Galvin and Harrison Aulds. Ayala leads the team with a .407 average, while Galvin is second at .333. Aulds leads the team in RBI with 24.
Both teams come in looking to get back on track after last weekend’s PBC play. AU lost two of three to Flagler, and the Pacers lost two of three to Young Harris. Both the Jags and Pacers were at home for those series.
Tonight, they get to go at each other on the Greenjackets’ home field. It’s an opportunity to play on a professional field.
“It’s kind of similar to our field, but they have higher fences at SRP,” said Augusta left-handed pitcher Britt Kelly. “But playing at SRP is sick. It’s usually our biggest crowd of the year. So we’re excited.”
Contact Shelbie Summerlin at ssummerlin@augusta.edu.
Kyle Lodise gets a lead off first base for the AU baseball team; Lodise leads the team with 29 runs scored. At the top of the page, Lodise waits on a pitch; he is batting .311 with 21 RBI, second best on the the Jaguar team. (photos by Shelbie Summerlin)
