Baseball Set to Host Orange and Gray World Series

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) baseball team is set to host its annual Orange and Gray World Series Nov. 13 and 14 at 3:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.

The series finale, which closes out the fall season, will be played regardless of the outcome of the first two games.

All three games are open to the public and admission is free.

The teams were split up in a public draft last week, with analytics volunteer Luis Trevino coaching the orange team and player development volunteer Chris Mondesi leading gray.

“We just want to have fun with the guys,” senior Mason Kosowick said. “We’ve been practicing all fall, but it’s a competition with yourself to get reps in. You’re competing with your team, trying to get a win under your belt, whether you are orange or gray, so it’s going to be fun.”

Although the Vaqueros have been scrimmaging in addition to holding regular practices throughout the fall, this series serves as the culmination of all their hard work during the fall in the most competitive environment they’ve had since the spring.

“To get closer to a game-like situation, we haven’t played anybody but ourselves,” head coach Derek Matlock said. “There is more intensity to it, kind of puts pressure on some guys, gets the best out of them. It’s good for the fans – we usually have a big crowd in here, especially the Friday night game. It’s pretty cool to see.”

“We’re just excited to be out on the field, compete with the all the guys, and see what happens,” senior EJ Miramontes said. “It’s something we have been working for during the fall. Everyone has been looking forward to this series.”

Regardless of the outcome of this series, one lesson the Vaqueros have already learned is that they have depth. The return of Angelo Cabral and Victor Loa have helped to solidify the starting rotation.

Additionally, the Vaqueros have already identified at least five outfielders capable of starting in addition to depth all around the diamond.

“We have a hard-working group that’s really committed to this team,” Matlock said. “We had a hot fall; the guys attacked the weight room and grinded through. This team is old and experienced, and they have a good work ethic in them. It’s been a good fall from a development standpoint. We noticed that the guys are gaining weight, getting faster, and just developing. This team is athletic and fun to watch, being able to steal bags and do stuff we haven’t been able to do here. We got some guys who can really do that, so it’s exciting.”