IRISH ALAMO CLASSIC SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 20
Toledo vs UTSA 2 p.m.
UIW vs Notre Dame 6 p.m.
Friday, February 21
Toledo vs UTSA 2 p.m.
UIW vs Notre Dame 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 22
Toledo vs UIW 12 p.m.
Toledo vs Notre Dame 3 p.m.
UTSA vs Notre Dame 6 p.m.
Sunday, February 23
UIW vs. UTSA 12 p.m.
MATCHUP: The Roadrunners compete in the 22nd Alamo Irish Classic at Nelson Wolff Stadium. UTSA opens its weekend with Mid-American Conference member Toledo Feb. 20 and 21 before facing the Irish Feb. 22. In the first of two meetings this season, Hallmark leads the Roadrunners against the Cardinals – his former team - in the event finale Feb. 23. This is the first meeting between UTSA and the Rockets. Notre Dame holds a 4-3 advantage over the Roadrunners, however, UTSA holds a 14-10 edge against UIW.
LAST TIME OUT: UTSA built a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth before No. 22 Texas answered with five in the bottom of the frame. The Longhorns bullpen allowed no runs on four hits, no walks and striking out four over the final five innings shutting down the Roadrunners offense and handing UTSA its first loss of the campaign.
ABOUT UTSA: The Roadrunners opened the 2020 campaign with a three-game sweep of Quinnipiac, which is their first time they opened the season with three wins in a row since 2014. In the weekend series, UTSA outscored the Bobcats 20-4, including 13-3 in the series finale that ended in seven innings. As a team, the Roadrunners hit .311 (28-for-90) in the series with five doubles, two triples and a home run. The pitching staff held the Bobcats to a .103 (8-for-78) batting average and posted a 0.72 ERA and a 0.64 WHIP. The starters allowed one run on six hits and five walks, while fanning 15 in 19.0 innings.
ABOUT TOLEDO: The Rockets are in the early stages of a 21-game road trip to begin the season and do not play a home contest until march 17. Toledo was swept in a three-game series at East Tennessee State opening weekend. As a team, they are hitting .223 (23-for-103) with four doubles, one triple and three home runs, scoring 10 runs in the three games. The pitching staff allowed 30 runs – all earned – for a 10.73 ERA. They gave up 32 hits in 101 at-bats, including nine doubles, one triple and five long balls, while totaling 11 HBP.
ABOUT NOTRE DAME: Similar to Toledo, the Fighting Irish began their season with a long road trip. They play their first 17 games away from home and do not open their home slate until March 17. Notre Dame claimed a 2-1 series win opening weekend over fellow Conference USA school UAB in Birmingham, Alabama. The Fighting Irish won the opener 9-3 and the finale 4-2. The Blazers secured a 10-7 victory in the middle contest. Notre Dame hit .279 (29-for-104) with 12 extra-base hits, including four homers, scoring 20 runs. The pitching staff held UAB to a .136 (12-for-88) batting average with three doubles, one triple and two dingers, recording a 4.85 ERA and fanning 31.
ABOUT UIW: Pat Hallmark's former school, UIW, enters the weekend as the only undefeated team in the field, sweeping a three-game home series from Bradley Feb. 14-16. The Cardinals outscored the Braves 35-13, posting a .326 (31-for-95) batting average with seven doubles, one triple and four home runs. UIW's pitching staff recorded a 4.00 ERA, allowing 12 earned runs in 27.0 innings, walking nine and striking out 27.
