As a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, the Georgia State Panthers are no stranger to the friendly confines of JMU Veterans Memorial Stadium after playing there against the James Madison University Dukes several times each season. Making the transition to Harrisonburg and the artificial turf playing surface is even easier when you’ve already spent a summer playing there as returner Garret Ford and Joey Roach will be able to tell their teammate Matt Rose.
Garrett Ford
Ford, a 6’0 190 pound left-handed pitcher from Loganville, Georgia earned a starting spot in the weekend rotation as a freshman in 2013. In 2013, he earned CAA Rookie of the Week honors on two separate occasions. In 2014, he has appeared in five games, including two starts and pitched 17.2 innings and accumulated 11 strikeouts. Ford is a returning pitcher from the 2013 Turks team. He had a 3-2 record in 54.2 innings of work with a 3.29 era.
Matt Rose
Rose, a sophomore right-handed pitcher/infielder from Atlanta, Georgia stands tall at 6’3 and weighs 190 pounds. He is a utility player who earned All-American honors during his freshman year in 2013. He has pitched as a starter and a reliever, and also plays first and third for the Panthers. This season, Rose has started four games on the mound and pitched over 20 innings. From the batter’s box, Rose has three homeruns in 20 game appearances.
Joey Roach
Roach, a Holly Springs, North Carolina resident plays behind the plate for the Panthers in his sophomore season. In 21 games this season, he has eight RBIs in 21 games. Roach, in the spring and fall semesters made the President’s List signifying a 4.0 GPA. With his brainpower, Roach helps place the Panther fielders in the right sports to make plays. Roach joined the Turks late in the 2013 season when the team lost one of their catchers and immediately made an impact. The Turks will be looking to Joey for his good defense behind the plate and with his offensive bat this season.