Introducing the Houston Regional

HornSports will keep you updated on the Houston Regional throughout the week – here’s an introductory look at the three teams that Texas might play:

Rice Owls

Record: 41-18

Conference Record: 23-7 (C-USA)

Team ERA: 2.50

Team Batting Average: .294

2014 in a nutshell: Rice won both the C-USA regular season and conference tournament titles. Went 1-2 against the Horns in 2014.

Expectations in the Regional: Rice was consistent throughout the season and looks like a sure bet to advance to the final of the Houston Regional as the No. 1 seed. Is their ceiling high enough and can they ramp up their level of play from C-USA – those are the questions to keep in mind with the Owls.

Texas Longhorns

Record: 38-18

Conference Record: 13-11 (Big 12)

Team ERA: 2.45

Team Batting Average: .266

2014 in a nutshell: After a hot start in Big 12 play, Texas stumbled to a 4th place finish in the regular season. The Horns lost in the divisional final round of the conference tournament.

Expectations in the Regional: This is a young Texas team that has already exceeded the expectations set from the last two seasons. The Horns are certainly capable of advancing from this regional if they play to their abilities.

Texas A&M

Record: 33-24

Conference Record: 14-16 (SEC)

Team ERA: 3.58

Team Batting Average:.286

2014 in a nutshell: The Aggies were picked 3rd in the SEC West in the preseason and even got one first place vote. After finishing league play with a losing record, the Aggies were shutout by Arkansas in the first round of the SEC tournament.

Expectations in the Regional: The talent is there for A&M to win a couple of games in this Regional, but everything from their season indicates otherwise. Even if the team is motivated when they see burnt orange on the field in the first game, they do not look like a threat to finish better than 1-2.

George Mason Patriots

Record: 34-20

Conference Record: 16-9 (A-10)

Team ERA: 3.14

Team Batting Average: .271

2014 in a nutshell: The Patriots beat VCU in extra innings to win the A-10 tournament in their first year in the league. Their automatic bid to the NCAA field of 64 is their first since 2009.

Expectations in the Regional: While not a threat to win the Regional, the Patriots are capable of winning a couple of games and throwing a wrench in things. George Mason has three quality starters and will not be an easy out – even from the loser’s bracket.