The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) baseball team will welcome No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast for a three-game ASUN Conference series this weekend, following their game against No. 12 Tennessee on Tuesday. The games will take place at Earle Combs Stadium, with the series opener scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, game two on Saturday at 6 p.m., and the series finale set for Sunday at 11 a.m. Fans can catch all three games live on ESPN+.
Friday’s game will honor legendary former Colonel and MLB Hall of Fame member Earle Combs. Baseball Bingo will also be featured, with the first three winners receiving EKU baseball mini bats. On Saturday, the game will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day and recognize the 2012 EKU conference championship team. Sunday will be Kids Day, offering free coffee and donuts, free admission for children 12 and under, and an opportunity for kids to run the bases after the game.
The Colonels currently hold a 13-19 overall record and are 4-8 in ASUN Conference games. First baseman Charlie Ludwick leads the team in runs (24), RBIs (23), and walks (23), while reliever Brock Blanton is tied for first in the ASUN with 17 appearances this season, boasting a 2-0 record, three saves, and a 3.12 ERA. EKU also ranks fourth in the nation in double plays turned with 35.
Florida Gulf Coast enters the series with a 26-7 overall record and a 10-2 ASUN standing. The team swept Queens on the road over the weekend, averaging 12 runs per game. The Eagles boast impressive stats, leading the ASUN in average (.326), runs (331), and home runs (77), and ranking second in the nation in home runs and fifth in team batting average.
This weekend’s series marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. While EKU and Florida Gulf Coast did not face each other during the regular season last year, both teams competed in the ASUN Tournament. Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between these talented teams, making it a must-watch series for college baseball enthusiasts.