For the first time in program history, the University of North Georgia baseball team has been ranked the No. 1 in the nation in the latest Collegiate Baseball Division II Poll released by the organization Monday afternoon. The Nighthawks moved up two spots from No. 3, which was the previous high ranking in program history, after a 5-0 week in which UNG outscored its opponents a combined 53-11.
North Georgia is currently riding an 11-game winning, the longest since joining the NCAA and Peach Belt Conference in 2006. The 21-4 start is the second best in school history, just behind North Georgia's 24-4 start in 2004.
The Nighthawks lead the Peach Belt Conference in home runs (44) and slugging percentage (.545), and rank in the top five in runs, doubles, triples, RBI, walks, stolen bases, batting average, on-base percentage, and fewest strikeouts. While the offensive production has been impressive, it doesn't overshadow the pitching and defense as UNG leads the league in both earned run average (3.16) and fielding percentage (9.77).
The No. 1 Nighthawks will welcome West Georgia to the friendly confines of Bob Stein Stadium on Tuesday, March 21, at 5 p.m., before traveling to UNC Pembroke for a PBC three-game set this weekend.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/3/515118/ung-baseball-ranked-no-1-nationally-for-first-time-in-program-history