The Maverick baseball team earned lofty expectations with its 31-run explosion over Louisiana Tech on opening weekend. The Mavs overpowered the Bulldogs to start the year, and the dynamic bats helped carry UTA to a 9-2 start. They even pulled off wins over Big-12 powerhouses UT-Austin and the University of Oklahoma to start the year.

Then the explosive hitting took a brief hiatus. The offense that was previously averaging more than seven runs per game slumped during a 4-10 run during mid-March, dropping the Mavs near the bottom of the Southland Conference with a 3-6 record.

A few years from now, current Mavericks may find their names among those who have reached the pinnacle of playing professional sports. Names like Preston Beck, UTA’s junior right fielder, and sophomore shortstop Ryan Walker may join the elite group in due time.

However, there is a plethora of former UTA players who are competing in professional baseball during the 2012 season. Current major leaguers include Hunter Pence, John Lackey, Mark Lowe and Dillon Gee.

The Yu Darvish phenomenon begins tonight in Arlington.

Darvish, the Japanese All-Star pitcher, makes his Major League debut tonight against the Seattle Mariners at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Tonight is also UTA night at the ballpark, where discounted tickets are given to UTA employees, students, alumni, colleagues, family and friends.

In the midst of a strong push to propel UTA athletics to national relevance, the Maverick baseball team is doing its part by wiping out Big 12 Conference foes.

The Mavericks are 3-0 against Big 12 teams UT-Austin, University of Oklahoma and Baylor University, (4-0 if you include future Big 12 member Texas Christian University.) All three teams have spent time in the top-25 this season and have reached a level of prominence that UTA is striving for.

A key to covering any sports team is gaining its trust. That trust was shown when myself and The Shorthorn photographer Casey Holder followed the team at the Southland Conference tournament in Katy and the first-round National Invitation Tournament game in Seattle.

Covering the Mavericks on the road is a completely different experience than in Arlington. You’re in a new building, new city and dealing with different school officials. A hotel room becomes your best friend as myself and Holder pounded out stories and photo galleries each day and night. But with that commitment, you get to see the team in a different light.