Ben Sheets to start Sunday for Braves

Former ULM pitcher Ben Sheets (1997-99) will make his 2012 Major League Baseball debut Sunday when he takes the mound as the starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves (46-39; 2nd NL East) will square off against the New York Mets (46-40; 3rd NL East), with first pitch slated for 12:35 p.m (CT) at Turner Field. The game will air on both Fox Sports South and MLB.TV and fans can also receive updates via twitter (@ULMWarhawks).

Sheets made two appearances for the Mississippi Braves (Double-A Affiliate) after signing a contract with the Braves at the beginning of July.  In 10.2 innings, Sheets allowed 12 hits and six earned runs (seven total) with 10 strikeouts and just one walk.

Sheets still holds the ULM single-season records for winning percentage (.933, 1999), wins (14, 1999), while ranking second in strikeouts (158, 1999). Sheets, with 14 wins, helped the team claim the 1999 Southland Conference Regular Season Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The 1999 squad finished 36-22 overall after an appearance in the Baton Rouge Regional.

During his three seasons in Monroe, Sheets tallied 26 victories in 57 career games. Sheets' 26 wins are ranked third in school history (Tom Brown, 35, 1968-71; Mike Thompson, 31, 1969-72).