GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The North Dakota baseball team will close out a 15-game homestand and its 2012 home schedule this weekend with a four-game series against Houston Baptist. It will be a busy closing weekend for the Fighting Sioux, who have nine out of 12 overall and are playing their best baseball of the season.

The series opener is set for Friday against a Houston Baptist team that is tied for fourth in the GWC standings.  UND is currently tied for sixth, four games behind the Huskies. Reigning two-time Great West Pitcher of the Week Andrew Thome (St. Cloud, Minn.) will pitch the opener for the Sioux. The right-hander has thrown back-to-back shutouts in GWC play. First pitch will be at 3 p.m.

On Saturday, area youth baseball and softball players are encouraged to attend Youth Athletics Day at Kraft Field. Prior to the first pitch of game one of Saturday's doubleheader, children from the ages of 5 to 12 will be able to run out on the field to their favorite position and stand along side Fighting Sioux players for the national anthem. The little leaguers are encouraged to wear their team uniforms to the game. First pitch for game is set for 12 p.m.

Five Fighting Sioux seniors will then be honored prior to Sunday's series finale against the Huskies. Left-hander Kevin Auth (Cambridge, Minn.), third baseman Kyle Bolander (Hermantown, Minn.), outfielder Seth Means (Gillette, Wyo.), infielder Daniel Ross (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) and rigth-hander Zac Salfer (Sleepy Eye, Minn.) will have their careers highlighted and be given a special gift during na pre-game ceremony. First pitch on Sunday is also scheduled for 12 p.m.