Baseball Opens MVC Play with Road Trip to Normal

NORMAL, Ill. -- Belmont baseball travels to Normal, Illinois, this weekend to open Missouri Valley Conference play with a three-game series against Illinois State (13-7). The series begins Friday, March 20, at Duffy Bass Field.

This weekend marks the start of Belmont's fourth season in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Bruins look to carry momentum after a split road trip last week, including a 10-4 victory over UAB. Charlie Davis continues to anchor the Bruins' lineup. After leading the team last season with a .315 average and 25 stolen bases, Davis remains a primary catalyst at the top of the order. Cavan McMeans (.568 SLG) and Mike Sprockett (.480 SLG) have provided the pop for the Bruins this spring, while Landon Godsey leads the team in consistency with a .472 slugging percentage and disciplined plate appearances. The Bruins' pitching staff will look to settle in after a challenging non-conference slate. Junior RHP Tate Marland and the rest of the rotation face an Illinois State lineup that has been prolific at home.

About the Redbirds

• Illinois State enters the series as one of the hottest teams in the MVC, currently riding a five-game winning streak. The Redbirds are 13-7 overall and recently swept Western Illinois before edging out SIUE 6-5 on Wednesday.
• The Redbirds are led by Graham Mastros (.390 AVG) and Reigning MVC Player of the Week Luke Stulga (.370 AVG). Their lineup features four starters batting over .320, contributing to a team that has averaged nearly 8 runs per game during their current win streak.

Series History

• Since joining the MVC, Belmont and Illinois State have developed a competitive rivalry. The Head to Head record sits at 11-13 with Illinois State having the advantage. 
• The last game between the two was in the MVC Tournament last season. where the Bruins beat the Redbirds 7-3.
   

Series Schedule (Times are subject to change due to weather or other factors)

• Friday, March 20: 5:00 PM CT
• Saturday, March 21: 3:00 PM CT
• Sunday, March 22: 1:00 PM CT

 

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