Demons open spring practice on Friday

The Demons, 22-32 a year ago, returns the bulk of their offense and pitching staff, including offensive Triple Crown winner and standout pitcher Colin Bear.  Bear hit .340 in 2011 with five home runs and 41 runs batted in while tossing a team-best 3.54 earned run average with a 3-4 record in 14 starts on the mound.

"We are very much looking forward to the start of official practice," said fifth year head coach Jon Paul Davis.  "We have had three good weeks of individual and group work and we're ready to get things going with team practice."

In addition to Bear's return, the Demons also return infielders Will Watson (.305-0-17), Ray Frias (.267-0-9), and Nick Hinojos (.309-3-29), as well as outfielders Drew Helenihi (.293-0-17) and Jordan Buckley (.176-0-2).

On the mound, the Demons return standouts with the likes of Bear, Joe Scanio (6-0, 1.65 ERA), Jacob Williford (1-4, 3.94), and Mason Melotakis (1-3, 3.98, 5 saves).

"This first week to 10 days of practice should give us an idea of what adjustments guys have made from last fall until now, as well as continue to put us in the necessary game situations in preparation for the season," said Davis.  "After that, we will make any needed adjustments to the lineup and rotation and continue to prepare for the opening of the season."

The Demons are expected to scrimmage Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Brown-Stroud Field.

NSU opens the season on Feb. 17 with a three-game home weekend series against Jacksonville State.