Gulf Coast returns to MGM Park

Mississippi Gulf Coast's baseball coaching staff is learning about their team as they also learn their way around MGM Park in Biloxi.

The Bulldogs (3-1) return to action Friday when St. Louis Community College visits the Biloxi Shuckers stadium. The first game of the doubleheader starts at 4 p.m.

Purchase tickets at http://mgcccbulldogs.com/MGMtix.

"We're still trying to figure some things out about our guys," Gulf Coast coach Rodney Batts said. "What our best lineup is, where guys fit best in the order, who our best position players are."

It will be the Archers' first game of the season, but they bring a strong pedigree. They won Region 16 championship before falling to Delgado in the South Central District Tournament finals.

"They were a win away from going to the World Series, so I know they're going to be good," Batts said. "They're going to have some arms and they're going to have some hitters. It'll be a challenge for us."

He is trying to get his pitching staff lined up for the MACJC schedule. They are evaluating bullpen roles, figuring out long and middle relievers, matchup guys and the closer.

Justin Nussbaum has swung a hot bat in the early going, hitting .400 in the first four games with a double and six RBI.

Marcus Buckley, his keystone combination cohort, is batting .333 with a double and four RBI. First baseman Michael Shubert is batting .356 with a 1.026 OPS.

"I think we're getting better every time they play," Batts said. "They're getting more comfortable. The more pitches they see and the more at bats they get, the better I hope we are."

For more information on MGCCC's 10 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCAthletics on Twitter and BulldogLIVE on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.