TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University baseball team looks to continue its win streak this weekend as they take on the University of Puget Sound in the Battle of the South Sound.
 
Last weekend the Lutes (10-4, 2-1 Northwest Conference) took on College of Idaho in a non-conference series on the road. The Lutes swept the Yotes in the three-game series, extending their win streak to five games.. The first game ended in a 3-2 win, the second game in a 6-1 victory before wrapping the series with a 6-5 win. These games really showcased the depth in the bullpen for the Lutes, and their ability to grind out close games. 
 
"Sweeping the series against C of I gave us a few more quality wins under our belt before resuming conference play this week," said freshman Andy Schmitz. "We played good team baseball all weekend, and we're looking forward to carrying our momentum into a big series against UPS this upcoming weekend."
 
Facing Puget Sound is always a big series, and the Lutes are hoping to bring their top game both offensively and defensively across town.
 
"Going into this weekend, we're looking to execute on both sides of the ball. We've played well and had some quality wins lately, but we're still hungry to improve our game and have yet to play our best baseball of the season."
 
Schmitz is enjoying his first season as a Lute, locking up a starting position and getting regular play time. He currently leads the team with a .365 batting average while collecting seven RBIs and stealing four bases.

The transition from high school to collegiate athletics and academics can prove a challenge for some student-athletes, but Schmitz seems to be facing the transition head on.
 
"For me the toughest part of transitioning from high school to college is managing the work load day in and day out and balancing the different demands of both baseball and academics."
 
In terms of academics, Schmitz has a clear goal set for his college years, with a tentative plan for his post-graduate career.
 
"I'm an accounting major with a minor in Hispanic studies. I plan on going to graduate school to receive either my MBA or master's in accounting. The field of accounting appeals to me because of the many opportunities the field can provide. It's something I enjoy and knowing a second language will be a big asset as well."
 
Off the diamond and out of the classroom, Schmitz has many hobbies that keep him happy and busy.
 
"Outside of school and baseball, I enjoy traveling, playing basketball, and spending time with my family and friends."
 
After the strong start for the Lutes, Schmitz and the team are very much looking forward to the rest of the season and reaching that top potential.
 
"Going forward this season, I'm looking forward to seeing how long we can keep playing and competing. Everybody on the team has high expectations for this season, and we look forward to achieving them."

The Lutes will travel across Tacoma to face-off against UPS in a three-game series this upcoming weekend. Game 1 on Saturday will begin at 11 a.m., with the second game starting at 2 p.m. The third game will begin on Sunday at 12 p.m.
 
Mar. 9: PLU vs. Puget Sound (DH) in Tacoma, Wash. (11 a.m.)
Mar. 10: PLU vs. Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The crosstown rivals have met 138 times since the 1980 season with the Lutes holding an 85-52-1 advantage in the all-time series. The two squads last met on Feb. 26 with host Pacific Lutheran prevailing 5-4 in a game the Lute pitching staff racked up 13 strikeouts.
 
About the Loggers: Puget Sound (2-11, 1-5 NWC) head into the weekend looking to bust out of a five game slide. The Loggers opened conference play with a doubleheader split against Willamette University on Feb. 23, falling 13-0 in the opener before smashing the Bearcats 12-2 in the nightcap. 
 
The Bearcats got the last laugh, winning the series with a 10-5 win the following day to kick off the Loggers' recent slide. Puget Sound fell 5-4 to the Lutes on Feb. 26 before dropping all three games last weekend at George Fox, falling 4-0, 2-1, and 10-6.
 
Mason Quinlan leads the team with a .333 batting average with six doubles while Jack Gries has a team-best eight RBIs. On the bump, Joe Brennan has been the workhorse, tossing 17 1/3 innings with 18 strikeouts.