Oct. 19, 2012

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Reaching the halfway point of team workouts this fall, the University of Memphis baseball team will play the annual Rookie/Vets Game on Saturday at FedExPark with first pitch scheduled for noon.

"We are always excited to see what happens when we split the roster for this game," head coach Daron Schoenrock said. "We hope to see the veterans understanding the system, communicating and attack the game. The rookies are hungry to keep their toe-hold in the locker room as well. We've had some jawing back in forth and practice and that is something we like to see."

Coach Schoenrock has split up the squad nearly even as 19 players are listed on the Rookies said and 17 on the Vets. Due to various injuries, Drew Allen, Xander Helton, and Connor Mahoney are inactive for the Rookies while Keaton Aldridge, Alex Gunn, Carter White and Blake Myers are likely out for the Vets.

Seven pitchers will take the mound for the Rookies squad with Craig Caufield making the start. Coach Schoenrock has chosen the alphabetical order of pitching meaning Josiah will be the closer for the Rookies.

The Vets side has six pitchers scheduled to throw with Heith Hatfield making the start. Hatfield will start and move to first base later in the game. Clayton Gant takes the hill in the second and Michael Wills will close it out for the Vets.

"We want fans to come out and see us and then go to Tiger Lane for tailgating prior to the homecoming football game. We'll throw first pitch at noon and be done around 3 p.m."