NEW ORLEANS – After taking time off for final exams and postseason preparation, the 2014 Eastern Division champion Alabama State baseball team squarely turns its attention to Wednesday's SWAC Tournament opener Wednesday against Grambling at 6 p.m.

Every Hornets' game at Wesley Barrow Stadium at the MBL Urban Youth Academy will be broadcast live via the internet at bamastatesports.com/showcase.

2014 SWAC Baseball Tournament Bracket

Since their last game at Miami on May 4, among the top focus areas for the Hornets (34-19 overall, 21-3 SWAC) has been defensively. Alabama State committed only 55 errors in 53 games to lead the SWAC with a .972 fielding percentage.

"One of the things we want to always be good at is defense," head coach Mervyl Melendez said. "It is important that we play every game with a lot of intensity, while also concentrating on the little things like fielding ground balls and throwing the ball where we should. At this stage of the season, you have to work on the little things to make sure you are sharp."

This will be the first meeting between the Hornets and Tigers (14-30, 11-13) since game two of the 2012 Urban Invitational in Houston, won by Grambling 8-5 in 12 innings.
Despite not playing the Tigers in more than two seasons, Melendez knows what to expect in game one of the tournament.

"We know they are going to be excited about playing," Melendez said. "They are going to play hard. We have to concentrate on what we do best. As I've said many times, we must play with intensity, and do all the little things well."

Earlier on Tuesday, a league-high seven Hornets were named to the All-SWAC baseball team. SS Emmanuel Marrero was named Player of the Year, and Joseph Camacho was named Pitcher of the Year. The duo earned first-team All-SWAC honors along with C Richard Gonzalez, 2B Einar Muniz, OF Richard Amion, and DH Waldyvan Estrada. P T.J. Renda earned second-team All-SWAC honors. And while Melendez is pleased with the accomplishments within the team concept, he reminded the players of the task at hand.

"The individual accomplishments are great," said Melendez, who was voted SWAC Coach of the Year. "It says they have worked extremely hard and put up good numbers, whether on the defensive side, at the plate, or on the mound, and I'm very proud of them. I'm very proud of Joe, as it's the second year in a row we've had the conference pitcher of the year (T.J. Renda in 2013). I'm very proud of Marrero, who's had a tremendous year both offensively and defensively. All of those players have had great years. However - as I told them after I congratulated them - the work ahead is what's most important. We're excited they got the honors, but now is when we have to make sure we are good at the right time. This is the right time."

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