From March 5‑7, 2027, the Tarleton State baseball squad will step onto the diamond at La Moderna Field, a venue that serves as the home of the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association of Professional Baseball. The series is designed to give the team a taste of a professional ballpark environment while preparing for the upcoming Western Athletic Conference schedule.
Opponents in the showcase include UT Arlington, UTSA and Washington State, each of which enjoyed notable success in the 2026 season. UTSA finished as regular‑season co‑champions of the American Conference and posted 38 wins, while Washington State captured the Mountain West Championship and earned its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2010.
A Milestone Series
Head coach Fuller Smith expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming matchups, noting that the experience will be invaluable as the program continues to climb the national ranks. Under his guidance, Tarleton State captured both the regular‑season and tournament titles of the Western Athletic Conference in 2026, securing its first Division I NCAA Regional berth since 2018.
The series will also highlight individual achievements. Six players earned All‑WAC honors, including Rayner Heinrich on the first team and Ike Shirey on the all‑defensive squad. Their performances underscore the program’s depth and promise.
Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets through CollegeBaseballSeries.com. The event promises a festive atmosphere, blending college tradition with the professional ambience of La Moderna Field.
Beyond the immediate competition, the series marks a significant step for Tarleton State, which now ranks as the sixth athletic program at the university to reach NCAA postseason competition. With eight conference tournament titles at the Division I level, the program continues to build on a legacy of excellence.