ARLINGTON – A strong defensive infield will once again be in play for the UT Arlington baseball team, as the Mavericks return Boone Montgomery and Cason Gregory into their starting roles.
 
"Having Boone and Cason back gives us a lot of experience for that right side of the infield," said Thomas.
 
For the first time in six seasons a new face will be featured at shortstop as Gregory will make the transition from second base. The sophomore out of Cleburne had a successful freshman campaign, starting 37 games while hitting .246 across 118 at-bats.
 
Montgomery, who had a breakout junior campaign, will return to his spot at third base, solidifying the right side of the infield. Montgomery started all 57 games for UTA last season and finished second on the team with a .288 batting average, while stringing out a 21-game on-base streak.
 
While the right side of the infield features experience, the left side will utilize depth to get the job done in the early going.
 
"We've got a lot of depth at second and first," said Thomas. "We will be very transfer-player oriented this season after bringing in a lot of quality transfer players from the portal."
 
One of those transfers vying for playing time will be Oscar Ponce (R-Sr.; Texas Southern). With a plus bat, Thomas says they will need to find a place for him in the lineup. Ponce hit .318 over his four seasons at Texas Southern, hitting 12 home runs and 92 RBI. In his final season with the Tigers, Ponce hit .342 with seven home runs and 40 RBI.
 
At first base, returners Steven Saunders and Justin Marino will be battling for a spot in the lineup. Meanwhile at second base, there are potentially five players who could earn the spot including returners Matthew Cavanagh and Tyler Rice.
 
Another notable name to keep an eye out for at shortstop and second base is Jaden Brown (So.; Kentucky/Iowa Western). A highly recruited player out of Mississauga, Ontario in 2019, Brown spent 2021 at Iowa Western after spending his freshman season at Kentucky.
 
Other newcomers in the infield include Tyce Armstrong (Fr.; Conroe, Texas), Evan Anderson (Fr.; Allen, Texas) and Tanner Rice (Fr.; Mesa, Ariz.).
 
 The Mavericks are set to open the season on Friday, Feb. 18 with a four-game home stand against Texas A&M Corpus Christi (Feb. 18-20) and Michigan (Feb. 21).
 
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