PINE BLUFF, AR. - The 2013 Golden Lions open their regular season this Friday beginning at 12:00 PM with a three-game series versus North Dakota State. With only four returning lettermen from last year's squad, UAPB will have twenty-one players experiencing their first Division 1 Baseball atmosphere.
 
According to third-year Head Coach Carlos James, the Golden Lions will send SR/LHP Stanten Jones to the mound. Coach James noted Jones' overall leadership and experience as two of the main reasons he gets the "Opening Day" nod.
 
As for North Dakota State, Head Coach Tod Brown brings the Bisons into Pine Bluff following a 40-20 overall record and NCAA Regional Tournament appearance in 2012. With only three starting position players back from last year's team, Coach Brown will lean on RHP John Stratka, one of the top arms in the country, to start Game One.
 
This weekend's game times and starting rotation are as follows:
 
Friday, February 15 at 12:00 noon: RHP Stratka (NDSU) vs LHP Jones (UAPB)
Saturday, February 16 at 1:00pm: RHP Ernst (NDSU) vs RHP Schwartz (UAPB)
Sunday, February 17 at 1:00pm: RHP Jaunich or Flaa (NDSU) vs RHP Ploeger (UAPB)
 
Gates will open one hour before the start of each game, and admission to this weekend's series is free of charge. Lawn chairs will be allowed at the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex for this weekend's series.
 
Keep up with news, inning-by-inning scores, and more throughout the weekend following our Twitter feed @UAPB_Baseball and www.uapblionsroar.com.     
 
Note: Due to construction on the access road from the parking lot at the football stadium to the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex, visitors are asked to park at the football stadium then walk to the THBC. On behalf of UAPB and the Athletic Department, we apologize for the inconvenience, and thank you, in advance, for your understanding.