By Jerry Briggs
Special for The JB Replay

Coach Pat Hallmark says that Sam Simmons and Connor Kelley are in the discussion to pitch today for the UTSA Roadrunners in Stephenville against the 21-win Tarleton State Texans.

First pitch in Stephenville is scheduled for 4 p.m.

The matchup against the Texans could pose problems for the Roadrunners (22-10) as they play on the road against a dangerous non-conference opponent in a game sandwiched between series in the American last week at Rice and this weekend at home against South Florida.

The Texans (21-10) of the Western Athletic Conference have recorded victories this season against Baylor (twice, home and away) and against the second-ranked Texas Longhorns in Austin.

For the Roadrunners, a willingness to utilize both front-line pitchers is a sign of respect for the Texans and also an indication of dissatisfaction with their own 2-4 record thus far in mid-week road games.

“I haven’t named a starter yet,” Hallmark said Monday in a zoom conference with the media. “You know, Sam and Kelley are both available, so you could see those guys.

“I don’t know about two Tuesdays ago, but last Tuesday (at Incarnate Word) they weren’t available. They had pitched (the previous) Sunday. So, hopefully we can get them the ball a little bit.”

While UTSA is listed at No. 40 nationally on the latest ratings percentage index, Tarleton isn’t far behind at 68th.

“Twenty one wins and they beat Baylor twice,” Hallmark said. “Beat some other good teams, and we’re going up there. Like everybody, they’re always tougher at their own ballpark.”

Records

UTSA 22-10
Tarleton State 21-10

Coming up

Non-conference
UTSA at Tarleton State, today, 4 p.m.

American Conference
South Florida at UTSA, Friday, 6 p.m.
South Florida at UTSA, Saturday, 2 p.m.
South Florida at UTSA, Sunday, 1 p.m.