With 22 lettermen back from a team that broke 19 school records last spring, there's plenty of optimism surrounding the University of Evansville baseball team.  On Saturday, fans get their first and only look at the Purple Aces this fall against outside competition when the Ontario Blue Jays come to Braun Stadium for a 3:00 game.  Admission is free.

"This is a great opportunity to see all of our players in competition," says coach Wes Carroll, who guided UE to a 32-27 record in the spring.  "I'm especially excited to see our six new arms and seven new position players.  It's an intra-squad mentality, but a game-type atmosphere against a very talented opponent."

The Blue Jays are a high level travel squad that will be making their fourth trip to Evansville in the last four years.  Current University of Evansville players Nate Smith and Trentt Copeland played for the Blue Jays before attending UE. Smith was a starting outfielder and Copeland the starting second baseman for the Aces last season.  Carroll has a total of seven position starters returning, led by all-Missouri Valley Conference selections Cody Fick, Greg Wallace, Eric Stamets and Smith.

"We've been building up the last two years for a big year, and it's exciting to know we have such a strong group of veteran players returning," according to Carroll, in his third year as head coach.  "I'm anxious to see their leadership take over this year and help us make a run for the MVC title."