Mesa State Baseball head coach Chris Hanks wanted to keep his players active during a scheduled off day on Sunday during the second day of the Division II World Series in Cary, North Carolina. The Mavs spent an hour at the USA National Baseball Training Facility practice field keeping their minds and bodies sharp as they prepare for their second round matchup against the Hornets of Emporia State.

“We wanted to stay in a routine and keep the guys active as we prepare for Emporia State,” Hanks said. “Emporia is a strong team as with everyone at this stage of the season. We want to make sure the guys feel confident and sharp as we get ready for our next step in this tournament.”

Coming off a  victory Saturday against the Belmont Abbey Crusaders, the Mavericks will have a chance to advance to the semi finals of the NCAA Championships against Emporia State Monday at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Mavs are 0-1 all-time against Emporia State, they lost to the Hornets 7-5 on May 5, 1993.

Even though this is only the second contest between the Mavericks and the Hornets, the Mesa State coaching staff is very familiar with their colleagues from Emporia State.

“Head coach Bob Fornelli is a guy we have become very familiar with over the years,” Hanks continued. “We have had good battles against Bob when he was coaching at Fort Hayes State and we expect nothing less from him tomorrow night. It's going to be fun.”

All Mesa Baseball fans can follow the Mavericks tomorrow and the rest of the week by tuning into 91.3 KMSA or on the internet at mesamavs.com. 

--SMM--