The Florida A&M baseball team travels to Deland, Fla. for an opening weekend series against Stetson that begins on Friday.
Rattlers head coach Jamey Shoppe begins his eighth season in the program and has compiled a 164-172 overall record and a 91-53 mark inside the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Kyle Coleman is tabbed to be the opening day starter. Last season, Coleman made four starts earning an 1-1 record with a 6.95 ERA. He also struck out 20 batters in 22 innings pitched.
For the Hatters, Nick Durigan is set to start on the mound. Durigan posted a 1.63 ERA with 2-0 record in four starts. He struck out 27 batters in 27.2 innings worked.
During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, FAMU went 5-10, including a season sweep of South Florida.
During the 2019 season, the Rattlers earned a trip to the NCAA Regionals after winning the MEAC Baseball Tournament. FAMU finished the 2019 campaign with a 27-34 overall record and an 11-8 mark in conference play.
This year’s Rattler squad features five preseason All-MEAC selections. Junior third baseman Tristen Cooper landed on the MEAC first team, while seniors Kyle Coleman, Jeremiah McCollum and Seyjuan Lawrence and junior Jared Weber earned second-team honors.
FAMU was also predicted to finish second in the MEAC’s Southern Division.
First pitch for Friday’s contest is set for 6:30 p.m.