JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (13-15, 9-6 South Atlantic Conference) has been a giant killer at times in 2013.  The Eagles own five victories against teams ranked in the top 25 of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association poll. 

The Eagles will try to pull the trick again when no. 17 Catawba (22-8, 10-5 SAC) rolls into Mossy Creek for a three-game SAC series starting Friday at 2 p.m. 

C-N is 5-2 against ranked competition this year, including a win over now top-ranked Lander. 

Carson-Newman head coach Tom Griffin said the Indians' success begins at the top with 16-year head coach Jim Gantt. 

"It all starts with coach Gant," Griffin said. "The philosophy that he goes by and the way he trains and coaches kids has been very consistent since he's been there.  In that consistency, you see his success rate."

Under Gantt, Catawba has posted 13 straight 30-plus win seasons, including six 40-win seasons over the last nine years.  The Indians have made seven appearances in NCAA II Regional play.  He has a career record of 565-295. 

The matchup features two of the top hitters and top pitchers in the conference.  Catawba's Chris Dula is the lone player in the league who's batting better than .400.  Carson-Newman's Bo Ausmus (Jefferson City, Tenn.) is second in the conference with a .381 average. 

"Dula killed us as a freshman," Griffin said. "He's one of those guys that you feel like has been there for five years."

On the mound, the Indians' Nick Lomascolo – the conference's leader in wins and strikeouts – the reigning SAC Pitcher of the Week will matchup with the Eagles' Chris Armstrong (Blaine, Tenn.).  Armstrong is second in the league with 46 Ks. 

Alex Britt (Salisbury, N.C.) and Dustin Dunagan (Winder, Ga.) round out the Eagles' weekend rotation. 

Carson-Newman's looking for its first win in eight tries. 

"We've had positive games and practices (even with the streak)," Griffin said. "We know this will pass and our guys are staying positive.  We're going to make sure that in the end we're doing things the right way."

First pitch Friday between the Eagles and Indians is set for 2 p.m.  Saturday's doubleheader gets underway at noon.  Every game will be streamed on the Coca-Cola Eagle Sports Network online at cneagles.com. 

-CN-