Preview: FAMU baseball travels for 'crucial' SWAC series; Softball home to retrieve momentum

FAMU baseball putting disappointing loss to Troy behind to remain perfect in the SWAC

Florida A&M baseball is looking to redeem itself after a tough midweek loss to the visiting Troy.

The Rattlers (12-13, 6-0 SWAC) fell to the Trojans, 12-2, at Moore-Kittles Field on Wednesday. But the issue was more so about the team's effort than to scoreboard according to FAMU head coach Jamey Shouppe.

"It wasn't the outcome. It was the attitude," Shouppe said. "We had a chance to be in the ball game and nobody cared because we never had the thought of winning.

"I was very displeased with our club's attitude and that falls on me. I will get that straight."

On the bright side, the Rattlers remained unbeaten in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) after sweeping Alabama A&M last weekend.

Outfielder Janmikell Bastardo had an outstanding performance against his former team as he slammed three homeruns in the final game of the series on Sunday. He was named the SWAC's Hitter of the Week for his efforts.

FAMU will head to Daytona to battle with in-state rival Bethune-Cookman in a three-game conference series. The Wildcats (14-11, 5-1 SWAC) are thriving thus far this year with just a lone SWAC loss to Alabama State on March 17.

The FAMU versus B-CU series could hold major implications for who controls the SWAC East Division once the tournament season begins.

"We've got to want it and come up with a little more grit and determination," Shouppe said. "So far, we're 6-0 (in the SWAC), but it's against teams that didn't make the (SWAC) tournament last year.

"Bethune-Cookman is very good, so we can't judge our success on last year's lower tier. This is going to crucial to our success and seeding for the tournament."

The Rattlers went 4-2 overall against Bethune-Cookman a season ago as the team split their two series against each other.

Florida A&M at Bethune-Cookman SWAC Baseball Series Information

When: Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 1 at 6 p.m.; Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m. ― EASTERN TIME

Where: Daytona Stadium; Daytona Beach, Florida

How to watch: The CatEye Network

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FAMU softball regains momentum in midweek game against Mercer ahead of weekend SWAC series

The Rattlers (12-14, 5-4 SWAC) are back in the win column.

They defeated the visiting Mercer in Wednesday's midweek game, 3-2, in a walk-off victory. The win came after FAMU drop its last SWAC series, 1-2, against Alabama State in Montgomery.

"That was a nasty, gritty win," FAMU head coach Camise Patterson said. "But it's encouraging going into this weekend especially after we took a couple of losses to Alabama State last weekend."

Infielder Jane'a Mobley continues to shine at bat as she earned the SWAC Hitter of the Week honor. Mobley had six hits, four RBI, and a .727 slugging percentage against ASU.

"The momentum going into this weekend is going to be good especially coming off of a dub against a good Mercer team," Mobley said. "Some people say that I'm the light of the team. So, me being happy helps me keep my team team positive and upbeat."

The Rattlers will return home to host the winless Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (0-22, 0-8 SWAC).

"I love the fact that our fans are showing up for us this year," Patterson said. "It's only going to fuel us to want to beat them and get all three wins to sweep this weekend.

"We know (MVSU) is going to be hungry for a win. They like to talk a lot and we're prepared to talk with our bats."

FAMU went 3-3 against MVSU a season ago as the team split both series.

Florida A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State SWAC Softball Series Information

When: Friday, March 30 at 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m.; Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m. ― EASTERN TIME

Where: University Softball Complex; Tallahassee Florida

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Preview: FAMU baseball away at B-CU, Rattlers softball hosting MVSU