Let's turn two! Bulldogs among best in nation in double plays

HUNTSVILLE -- The double play is said to be the pitcher's best friend.

And A&M's keystone combo is definitely at the top of the list for the Bulldogs pitching staff.

In fact, the Bulldogs are at the top of the Southwestern Athletic Conference's list with 37 double plays this season. And they are ranked 10th in the nation, as well. The Bulldogs also average 1.03 double plays a game, which is 24th nationally.

Shortstop J.T. O'Reel leads the SWAC in assists with 88 and he and second baseman Tanner Ivey are 1-2 in the league in fielding double plays.

This weekend, the Bulldogs' double-play will be a key component when they host Mississippi Valley State in a key four-game conference series.

A&M is 3-8 in the SWAC and in fourth place in the East Division while MVSU sits in fifth place at 2-12. The top four teams in each division qualify for next month's league tournament.

Friday's game starts at 3 p.m. and there is a doubleheader Saturday at noon. The second game of the doubleheader will be a makeup of a rainout at Itta Bena and MVSU will be the home team. The series wraps up Sunday at 1 p.m.

Saturday will also be Senior Day and the team's seven upperclassmen - Boston Martinez-Neal, Ty Russell, Jordan Benford, Allen Belue, Caleb Roberts, Dylan Payne and Josh Burchell - will be recognized between games.

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Players Mentioned

#2 J.T. O'Reel: INF; 5' 11"; Junior; R/R

#3 Boston Martinez-Neal: INF; 6' 0"; Senior; R/R

#5 Tanner Ivey: INF; 5' 11"; Sophomore; R/R

#8 Ty Russell: 1B; 6' 0"; Senior; L/R

#14 Jordan Benford: RHP; 5' 10"; Graduate Student; R/R

#18 Allen Belue: RHP; 6' 1"; Senior; R/R

#23 Caleb Roberts: RHP; 6' 0"; Senior; R/R

#35 Dylan Payne: 1B/C; 6' 3"; Senior; R/R

#77 Josh Burchell: RHP; 6' 7"; Senior; R/R

Players Mentioned

#2 J.T. O'Reel
: 5' 11"; Junior; R/R
: INF

#3 Boston Martinez-Neal
: 6' 0"; Senior; R/R
: INF

#5 Tanner Ivey
: 5' 11"; Sophomore; R/R
: INF

#8 Ty Russell
: 6' 0"; Senior; L/R
: 1B

#14 Jordan Benford
: 5' 10"; Graduate Student; R/R
: RHP

#18 Allen Belue
: 6' 1"; Senior; R/R
: RHP

#23 Caleb Roberts
: 6' 0"; Senior; R/R
: RHP

#35 Dylan Payne
: 6' 3"; Senior; R/R
: 1B/C

#77 Josh Burchell
: 6' 7"; Senior; R/R
: RHP