Eastern Kentucky University’s baseball team gears up for an exciting midweek series against Marshall University, kicking off on Tuesday in Richmond before heading to Huntington, West Virginia, for the second leg of the showdown.
The action begins at 6 p.m. at Earle Combs Stadium, with the first game airing live on ESPN+. The series continues on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Huntington, offering fans another opportunity to catch the thrilling matchup on ESPN+.
Tuesday’s game promises an extra dose of excitement with “Let’s Get Tropical Night,” presented by Tropical Smoothie Café. Fans can expect beach-themed entertainment throughout the game, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the stadium. Additionally, it’s $2 Day, featuring special $2 tickets, beverages, and hot dogs, making it an affordable and enjoyable outing for all attendees.
Here’s a closer look at the Colonels and their upcoming challenges:
The Colonels
- EKU (12-31, 8-13 ASUN) faced a tough 3-game sweep at Austin Peay over the weekend, looking to bounce back with renewed vigor.
- Ron Franklin Jr. showcases impressive form with a 10-game hitting streak, boasting a remarkable batting average of .472 over the last 10 games. His contributions include seven home runs, 17 RBIs, and 12 runs scored, demonstrating his offensive prowess.
- Freshman catcher Silas Shaffer delivered a standout performance in the series at Austin Peay, batting .600 (6-for-10) with notable contributions, including a double, a home run, six RBIs, and a run scored.
- The Colonels have been batting .295 as a team in their last 14 games, showcasing improved offensive capabilities with 19 home runs and a .396 on-base percentage during this period.
- Senior right-hander Rese Brown is set to start on Tuesday, while freshman righty Elijah Underhill will take the mound for Wednesday’s game.
Scouting the Opponent
- Marshall (13-29) enters the series on the back of a challenging stretch, having lost five consecutive games, including a series sweep at Georgia Southern.
- Center fielder Cam Harthan leads Marshall with a .319 batting average, while left fielder Elijah Vogelsong stands out in home runs (7) and RBIs (24).
- As a team, Marshall boasts a .227 batting average and 27 home runs this season, facing off against EKU’s .267 batting average and 55 home runs.
- Right-hander Nicholas Weyrich leads Marshall in appearances (18) and saves (4), maintaining a 4.44 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings.
Inside the Series
- EKU holds a historical advantage in the series, leading 44-38. The Colonels have dominated games played in Richmond with a 30-12 record, while Marshall maintains a 24-14 advantage in Huntington.
- In their last encounter, EKU secured a decisive 9-2 victory over Marshall on April 19, 2023, with outfielders DJ Sullivan and Roderick Criss II playing pivotal roles in the win.
With both teams eager to make their mark in this midweek clash, fans can anticipate thrilling action and competitive matchups as Eastern Kentucky University and Marshall University battle it out on the diamond.
