LUBBOCK, Texas – It's a battle for the top spot in the Lone Star Conference this weekend as the Lubbock Christian baseball team travels to Canyon to take on West Texas A&M. Only one game separates the two teams in the LSC standings coming into the four-game set.
 
The Series Schedule – No. 7/18  Lubbock Christian (27-11) at No. 5/13 West Texas A&M
Wilder Park – Canyon, Texas
Friday (Apr. 19) – 2:00 p.m. DH
Friday (Apr. 19)  – 4:00 p.m. DH
Saturday (Apr. 20) – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday (Apr. 21) – 1:00 p.m.
 
Around the Horn

• The Chaps come into the series with a 30-12 overall record after winning a home series over St. Edward's last weekend.  
• LCU is ranked 7^th in this week's ABCA National Poll and 18^th in the NCBWA National Poll.
• The Chaps were ranked 3^rd in the latest NCBWA South Central Regional Poll.
• As a team, LCU is hitting .344 with  348 RBIs and 65 home runs this season.
• The Chap pitching staff has a 6.85 ERA in 330 total innings. Opponents are hitting .281 off LCU pitchers and have struck out 325 times.
• LCU is 29-11 in Lone Star play and are currently in second place in the conference standings.

 
The Series – Rivalry on the Range
The Chaps and Buffs renew the Rivalry on the Range for the 79^th time on Friday. LCU has controlled the series, going 54-24 all-time against WTAMU. The Chaps and Buffs squared off six times last season, with LCU winning all six matchups. The last time LCU lost to WTAMU was April 3, 2022, when they fell 12-4 in Canyon.  
 
A Look at the Buffaloes

• WTAMU has a 31-11 overall record and sits in first place in the LSC with a 30-10 conference record.
• The Buffaloes split a four-game road series against St. Mary's last weekend, winning the final game 19-1.
• WTAMU comes into the weekend ranked No. 5 in the NCBWA National Poll and No. 13 in the ABCA National Poll.
• The Buffs were ranked 1^st in the latest NCBWA South Central Regional Poll.
• WTAMU is in the 16^th season with Head Coach Matt Vanderburg at the helm.
• The Buffs have outscored their opponents 397 to 275 this season.
• WTAMU is hitting .351 with 353 RBIs and 41 homers this season.
• Dylan Fesperman is leading the Buffs at the plate this season, coming into the weekend with a .427 batting average, nine home runs, and 55 RBIs.
• The WTAMU pitching staff comes into the series with a 5.87 ERA and 339 strikeouts. Opponents are hitting .292 against Buff pitchers.  

Up Next
After the four-game set with West Texas A&M, the Chaps return home to host Eastern New Mexico. The four-game series is scheduled to start on Friday April 26 at 6:00 p.m.