– The William and Mary baseball team kicks off the 2014 season with a three-game series against Army at Plumeri Park this weekend. Game times are set for 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16.

This weekend series will have a couple of promotions to go along with it. Saturday's contest will serve as Military Appreciation Day. All active duty military and their families, along with all veterans will receive free admission to Saturday afternoon's ball game. On Sunday, the Tribe will honor the 2013 NCAA Tournament team with a brief pregame ceremony.

Scouting the Tribe

William and Mary, which is coming off an bid in the 2013 NCAA Tournament, was selected to finish third in the Preseason CAA Poll. The Tribe will rely on a strong core of their lineup that returns from last year's team, while welcoming 16 new student-athletes to the roster. Senior Ryan Lindemuth (hit .351, with 14 doubles and a team-high 49 RBIs) junior Michael Katz (hit a team-high .358), and sophomore Ryan Hissey (.281 batting average) were all named to the preseason all-conference team. On the mound, junior Jason Inghram (99 strikeouts), who was also named to the CAA All-Preseason team, will anchor the Tribe's rotation this weekend.

Scouting the Black Knights

Army, which also made the NCAA Tournament in 2013, was selected to repeat as Patriot League champion in the Patriot League's preseason poll. Pitcher Alex Robinett, shortstop, Alex Jensen, third baseman Harold Earis, outfielder Jacob Page, and designated hitter Mark McCants were chosen to the Preseason All-Patriot League team. McCants is the Black Knights best returning hitter, finishing the 2013 campaign with a .314 batting average. Erik Washburn and Robinett bring back the best two ERAs for Army in 2014. Washburn finished 2013 with a 3.38 ERA, while Robinett posted a 3.43 ERA.