Cowboys ready for home opener

Hardball finally has returned to Stillwater.

Oklahoma State baseball plays in its first home game of the 2012 season Tuesday against Dallas Baptist.

The Cowboys are coming off a rough start in California where they lost all three games in their season opening series against Cal Poly.

"It's disappointing," coach Frank Anderson said. "Some of our returning guys didn't perform like we hoped."

Anderson said the importance of veteran leadership could be a determining factor for the Cowboys, and it's part of his game plan.

"In order for us to have the season we are hoping for, our older guys need to play well consistently," Anderson said.

Mark Ginther and Hunter Bailey were the only Cowboys to get a hit in a 6-0 loss to Cal Poly on Friday.

The Cowboys' next opponent has provided tough challenges in past meetings, but Anderson is looking forward to the game.

"They went to the super regionals last year," he said. "We expect them to come in with a good team this week, and we are excited to play another good ball club."

Dallas Baptist will have an edge in experience. In its opening series against Southeast Missouri, Dallas Baptist put only two freshmen on the field. OSU played five against Cal Poly.

For OSU to win against teams such as Dallas Baptist, it will need to make minor improvements from its showing from the past weekend.

"We create a lot of our own problems," Anderson said. "We need to hit better and work on giving teams fewer walks."

Anderson said Gage Green has the potential to make a big impact for the Cowboys in the lineup. Green has the ability to play at almost every position on the field, but Anderson said he will use Green primarily in the outfield.

Green made his first appearance in final game of the series Sunday, and had his first hit of his collegiate career as well.

 "Green played pretty well for his first time out," Anderson said. "He looked like he had been out there before."

Anderson said he and his assistants have made adjustments after the opening weekend, and he isn't discouraged despite a slow start to the season.

"We are still optimistic about this team," Anderson said." And we are excited to get them in front of the home crowd."