San Antonio is the destination this weekend as the West Texas A&M Buffs prepare for a crucial four-game series against the No. 14 St. Mary’s Rattlers. The series, beginning Friday at 6:00 p.m. At Dickson Stadium, pits two of the Lone Star Conference’s top teams against each other as the regular season progresses. This matchup is particularly significant as all three teams currently tied for first place in the LSC – St. Mary’s, UT Tyler, and UT Dallas – are facing challenging opponents this weekend.
The Buffs enter the series with a 21-9 overall record, sitting just behind the leaders in the conference standings. A strong showing against the Rattlers (22-8) could propel West Texas A&M into a tie for the top spot. The series represents a key test for a Buffs team that currently leads the LSC in hitting with a .345 batting average, according to conference statistics. Fans can follow the action live with stats available via StatBroadcast and streaming video on FloCollege.
Rattlers Riding High in San Antonio
St. Mary’s comes into the weekend as one of the hottest teams in the LSC, currently sharing the lead with UT Tyler and UT Dallas. They recently completed a successful road trip, taking three of four games from St. Edward’s University in Austin. Offensively, the Rattlers are a potent force, boasting a .281 team batting average with 29 home runs and 224 RBIs. Senior outfielder Garrett Brooks is a key player to watch, currently hitting .313 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .421.
On the mound, St. Mary’s has a team ERA of 5.30. Junior lefty Eric Tenery is expected to start the final game of the series on Sunday, bringing a 5-0 record and a .301 opposing batting average allowed to the hill. He has 38 strikeouts in 39 innings pitched, but also a 5.77 ERA, indicating a potential for both dominance and vulnerability.
A History of Competition
The series between the Buffs and the Rattlers has been a competitive one over the years. West Texas A&M holds a 17-13 advantage in the all-time series, and a strong 13-6 record when playing in San Antonio. However, the teams met last year in the Alamo City, and the Rattlers emerged victorious. This history adds another layer of intensity to this weekend’s matchups.
Leadership on Both Sides
Both programs are guided by experienced leadership. Frank Kellner is in his second season as head coach of the St. Mary’s Rattlers, bringing with him 20 years of experience as an assistant coach at Temple College. Kellner’s resume includes 657 victories and two NTJCAC Championships, and he has overseen the development of 36 players who were drafted into Major League Baseball.
For West Texas A&M, Cory Hall is in his second season as head coach, having been promoted from his role as pitching coach in the summer of 2024. Hall’s first season at the helm saw the Buffs finish with a 31-21 record and advance to the LSC Championships. He has a proven track record of developing pitching talent, with four of his pitchers having been selected in the MLB Draft. Hall is supported by Associate Head Coach Shawn Neale, who is in his 10th season with the program, and assistant coaches Ryan Cantrell and Nollan Koon.
Looking Ahead in the LSC
The Lone Star Conference is proving to be highly competitive this season. UT Tyler, currently ranked No. 18 nationally, remains undefeated in conference series play. West Texas A&M’s strong offensive performance, leading the LSC with a .345 batting average, will be tested against St. Mary’s pitching staff. UT Dallas, the new member of the conference, is also making a strong push, currently tied for first place despite being ineligible for the LSC tournament due to their provisional NCAA Division II status.
The LSC tournament is scheduled for May 1-3 at the sites of the No. 2, 3, and 4 seeds, with the championship round taking place May 8-10 at the No. 1 seed’s home field. The NCAA Division II South Central Regional is slated for May 14-17, with the ultimate goal being a trip to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship in Cary, North Carolina, from May 29 to June 6.
The outcome of this weekend’s series will have significant implications for the LSC standings and the postseason picture. Fans can stay up-to-date on the series and the LSC baseball season through the official conference website and FloCollege.
The Buffs and Rattlers will kick off the series Friday evening, with games continuing Saturday and Sunday. The series promises to be a thrilling display of collegiate baseball, and fans are encouraged to follow the action and support their teams.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Have thoughts on the upcoming series? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below.
