HAMPTON, Va. – Defending Small College World Series Champion Apprentice will open conference play this afternoon as it hosts Mid-Atlantic Christian and features two of the top pitchers in the USCAA.

The homestanding Builders (21-5 overall, 0-0 NSAC) will start true freshman Nick Redman, who through 29 innings is 5-0 with an ERA of 0.63, averaging 12.87 strikeouts a game. Additionally, he has allowed only six walks and two earned runs in his appearances so far this season.

The Mustangs (12-16, 0-0) will counter with junior Caleb Whitley, whose 48 strikeouts is second only to Redman’s 50.

The Builders reach the halfway point of the season as the hottest team in the New South with a sparkling 21-5 record, including a 4-game sweep of St. Vincent over the weekend.

The Mustangs are glad to leave Florida where they struggled at 1-5.

First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm at War Memorial Stadium in Hampton, Virginia.