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GRAMBLINGBASEBALL

The Tigers had high expectations entering the 2013 season, but having gotten off to a slow start with a 4-10 record, are looking for a spark to start a winning streak. 

The Tigers started off the season dropping three straight to in-state rival Northwestern State and were competitive against Mississippi State, where they lost 2-0 to the No. 5 ranked team in the nation. 

The Tigers then played Georgia State in Atlanta, where they dropped the first game by one run, but went on to win two out of three games by a combined 13 runs. 

GSU looked to take that momentum against Stephen F. Austin State in the Tigers home-opener but can up short, losing 9-4. 

The next three game-series was against conference opponent Prairie View A&M University, where the G-Men lost 7-5 in their second consecutive game. 

The Tigers made a statement the next game, routing Prairie View A&M University 10-1, but lost a close game 3-1 the following day. 

In the Tigers next home game they played nonconference opponent University of Central Arkansas, where the Tigers got off to a competitive start going toe-to-toe in a defensive battle until they faded late and lost 10-1. 

The Tigers next home stand was against University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a conference and division opponent. GSU looked to build momentum against UAPB, a team they defeated in their final meeting last season. 

The Tigers got off to a good defensive start, with both teams going scoreless until the seventh inning. Then there was an offensive spark, and the Tigers edged out the victory 6-5. 

In the next game the competitiveness was duplicated with a tight run-for-run game, but UAPB pulled away for the win. The series was split 1-1, and the third game was postponed due to rain.

GSU’s next opponents are Stephen F. Austin and rival Southern University. 

The Tigers are looking to become more consistent and the coaching staff is focusing on specific areas as the keys to success.

“We believe with this team pitching is key,” said coach James Cooper. “We must throw quality strikes, we must be solid on defense and we must have time to hit.”

With games against several in-state opponents and division opponents approaching, finishing the month strong could be beneficial to their success. 

We feel confident about this ball club,” said assistant coach Davin Pierre. “We feel like if we play our brand of baseball the sky is the limit.

“With solid pitching, playing solid defense and timely hitting, we can look up at the end of year and be where we want to be.” 

The Tigers will be in action Saturday against the Southern University Jaguars.