State schedule, Jan. 27-29

Preston McDonald (in blue pullover) has put Florence-Darlington Tech
among the nation's elite junior college programs. (Palmetto State Baseball photo) 

It's opening weekend of college baseball season, albeit only for three junior colleges among the state's 33 teams.

USC Salkehatchie gets a jump on the other schools, opening a three-game series with Walters State as it attempts to improve on a 4-48 record of a year ago.  Coach Jeremy Joye has opted to open with a challenge: Walters State is ranked No. 2 in the NJCAA preseason poll and is a frequent qualifier for the junior college playoffs.

Florence-Darlington Tech, two-time defending Region 10 champion, opens its season on Saturday with Bryant & Stratton. Coach Preston McDonald's Stingers are ranked 14th in the preseason.

Also opening on Saturday is Spartanburg Methodist, coached by Tim Wallace. The Pioners meet Roane State.

Many of the state's NCAA Division II and NAIA teams open their seasons next week, while the 10 NCAA Division I teams begin their seasons Feb. 17.

Friday's game
Walters State at USC Salkehatchie, 2 p.m.

Saturday's games
Bryant & Stratton at Florence-Darlington Tech DH, noon
Walters State at USC Salkehatchie, DH, noon
Roane State at Spartanburg Methodist, DH, 1 p.m.

Sunday's game
Bryant & Stratton at Florence-Darlington Tech, noon