LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Towson baseball team headed west for the 2016 season opener as the Tigers face New Mexico State in a three-game series Feb. 19-21.  The series gets underway at 8 p.m. Friday night, then continues with a 4 p.m. first pitch Saturday and a 3 p.m. first pitch Sunday.
 
Head Coach Mike Gottlieb is entering his 29^th season at Towson and is just seven wins shy of reaching 700 victories in his career.
 
The Tigers will mix experience and youth in their lineup this season.  Towson is expected to start up to four freshman on opening weekend.  Freshman Richie Palacios will take over as the team's starting shortstop, while fellow freshman Trey Martinez will share the catching responsibilities early in the season.  Outfielders Clark Clatchey and Cuinn Mullins will see time in the outfield and as the designated hitter.
 
Sophomore Mark Grunberg will move to center field after playing in left field as a freshman.  He was named an honorable mention selection on the All-CAA Preseason Team after becoming just the third Tiger to collect at least 60 hits as a freshman.  Junior A.J. Gallo returns to the middle of the lineup after hitting a team-best .331 last season.  Junior Brady Policelli led the team with eight home runs a season ago.
 
Junior left hander Matt Golczewski will get the start on opening day.  Golczewski will be making his third career start after being used primarily out of the bullpen last season. 
 
Senior Austin Clark will make his seventh career start Saturday, while Kevin Ross will take the mound in the series finale.  Ross threw 72.2 innings last year and closed out the season with back-to-back complete games.