Rock Hill, S.C.--  Winthrop baseball's opening day is set for Saturday, February 20 as Appalachian State pays a visit to the Winthrop Ballpark. Opening day was originally set for Friday but was changed to a double-header on Saturday due to inclement weather. The two schools will meet for the 10^th time in history, the first time since 2004. Winthrop has won nine of 10 meetings.

Winthrop enters 2021 selected to finish second in the Big South Conference, receiving one first place vote. The Eagles finished the shortened season with an 11-4 record, its best start under head coach Tom Riginos.
 
App State was picked fifth in the 2021 Sun Belt preseason poll. The Mountaineers posted an 11-6 record in 2020.

      

App State (0-0, 0-0 Sun Belt) at Winthrop (0-0, 0-0 Big South)
Date	Saturday, February 20 | GAME 1	Saturday, February 20 | GAME 2	Sunday, February 21
First Pitch	1:00 p.m. ET	4:00 p.m. ET	1:00 p.m. ET
Listen Live	Click Here	Click Here	Click Here
Live Stats	Click Here	Click Here	Click Here
Probable Pitching Matchups (2020 Stats)	Tyler Tuthill (1-2, 4.74) vs.  Daniel Blair (1-2, 4.67)	Quinton Martinez (2-0, 3.68) vs.  Tyler Jones (2.25)	Cole Hooper (2-0, 4.43) vs.  Andrew Coker (2-0, 2.25)

The Eagles return key pieces such as Scout McFalls, Spencer Yankle, Joe McNamara, Tyler Baker, Jason Crumley and Colten Rendon. Yankle and McFalls were both recognized by DIBaseball in its final 2020 power rankings, being ranked the 28^th best catcher and 75^th best outfielder respectively.
 
In the shortened season, Rendon made seven appearances, struck out five batters and posted a 1.29 ERA. The former Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Big South Selection recorded four saves, tied for most in the conference.
 
Winthrop enters the 2021 season ranked 40^th overall in Collegiate Baseball's NCAA Division I preseason poll. The Eagles will welcome seven freshmen to the squad; Carson Beavers, Hunter Christopher, Malik Young, Parker Whittle, Reese Lumpkin, Aaron White and Parker Kruglewicz, as well as Furman transfer, Joey Tepper and Queens College transfer, Jonathan Strauss.
 
At this time, Winthrop Athletics is only allowing family members to attend games at The Winthrop Ballpark.