Three Old Dominion players to watch versus Rutgers Baseball
Rutgers Baseball is off to a hot start, as they swept Winthrop to start the season last weekend. However this weekend will be a bit of a different test, as they head back down south to take on Old Dominion in yet another three games series.
Similar to the Scarlet Knights, the Monarchs are also coming off a sweep where they won all three of their games against George Washington last weekend.
With that being said, let's take a look at three Monarchs to watch this weekend.
TV / STREAM - ESPN+
WHO - Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Old Dominion Monarchs
WHERE - Bud Metheny Baseball Stadium (2,500) -- Norfolk, Virginia
WHEN...
-- Friday at 3:00pm ET
-- Saturday at 2:00pm ET
-- Sunday at 1:00pm ET
FIRST BASEMAN JAKE TICER
Senior infielder Ticer has some of the most raw power in college baseball. He is coming off a huge junior season in which he was one of the best hitters in the entire Sun Belt Conference, appearing 43 games (38 starts) and slashed .292/.453/.708 with 38 hits, six doubles, 16 home runs, 41 RBIs, 29 walks, 39 runs scored, and a 1.169 OPS.
Ticer has light-tower power and also has a good plate approach. The Rutgers pitching staff must be careful with him at the plate, as he has that game-changer type of potential the Monarchs’ offense.
LHP BEN MOORE
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Ben Moore was one of the best relief pitchers in the Sun Belt Conference last season and is expected to be one of the most active arms for Old Dominion this season.
In the 2023 season, Moore has made 21 appearances and one start while posting a 2-1 record to go along with a 1.88 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts in 28.2 innings pitched. He also help opponents to a .293 batting average last season.
The southpaw relief pitcher out of Maryland will most likely pitch against the Scarlet Knights this weekend at some point and he is the Monarchs best non-closer relief pitcher. He has already pitched once this season so far, throwing for two innings and allowed no hits, no runs, two walks, and two strikeouts.
SHORTSTOP KYLE EDWARDS
Junior shortstop Kyle Edwards is another key hitter to watch for in this season. He was one of the team's better hitters last season and is already off to a hot start.
As a sophomore, Edwards played in 50 games (18 starts) and led the Monarchs in hitting with a .341 batting average. He also recorded 30 hits, eight doubles, one triple, six home runs, 12 stolen bases, and had a 1.038 OPS.
Expect Edwards to hit near the top of the lineup for the Monarchs as he's more of a contact hitter with that gap-to-gap power. He’s also a plus-defensive middle infielder and runs well, swiping 12 bags last season and was only caught twice.
--------------------------------------------------------------
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel