Record Staff Writer
@RecordPreps
STOCKTON – Having a true freshman, or a catcher, lead a college baseball team in batting average is rare, in both cases.
James Free II, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound freshman catcher, is doing just that for Pacific. Free is batting .350 with five doubles and 11 RBI for the Tigers, who open West Coast Conference play against Gonzaga at 3 p.m. today in Spokane, Washington. The Bulldogs host the Tigers again at 3 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday.
Pacific (8-7) is seeking a fast start against the defending WCC tri-champions (with Pepperdine and Saint Mary's), and Free's offensive output is critical amid what's been an inconsistent offensive stretch for his team.