Eastern Kentucky University’s baseball team is poised to resume Atlantic Sun Conference action this weekend with a highly anticipated 3-game series against in-state rival Bellarmine University, igniting a fervent clash between two competitive programs.
The series, slated to kick off on Friday at 6 p.m., promises a thrilling spectacle for baseball enthusiasts, with Saturday’s game also scheduled for 6 p.m. and the series finale on Sunday set to commence at 1 p.m. Excitement mounts as the final two games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Friday’s matchup is set to be a Bark In The Park event, inviting fans to bring their furry companions to the stadium for a day of baseball festivities, complete with a dog bowl giveaway. Saturday’s game will be transformed into a galactic spectacle with Star Wars Night, featuring a light saber giveaway. On Sunday, the stadium will come alive with Youth Sports Day, offering free admission for kids 12 and under, accompanied by prize drawings and a postgame autograph session.
EKU (14-31, 8-13 ASUN) enters the series riding a wave of momentum, boasting a 2-game winning streak following a successful midweek home-and-home series sweep against Marshall. Notably, the Colonels’ pitching staff delivered a standout performance, holding Marshall to a .190 batting average and conceding no home runs over two games.
Ron Franklin Jr. emerges as a key player for EKU, carrying a formidable 12-game hitting streak into the series. Franklin’s recent batting prowess, highlighted by eight home runs and 24 RBIs, underscores his pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy. Additionally, EKU’s collective batting strength has seen them bat .295 as a team over the last 16 games, further solidifying their offensive capabilities.
In the pitching department, the Colonels will rely on the talents of freshman lefty Bradley Stewart, sophomore right-hander Nathan Lawson, and junior righty Ryker Walton to lead the charge in the series opener and subsequent games.
Facing off against EKU, Bellarmine (7-37, 6-15 ASUN) seeks redemption following a challenging season. Despite their struggles, the Knights remain a formidable opponent, with players like Will Aubel and Casey Sorg spearheading their offensive efforts.
As the series unfolds, both teams are poised to deliver a riveting display of skill and determination, with EKU aiming to capitalize on home-field advantage and secure pivotal conference victories. With an illustrious history and a fiercely competitive spirit, the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of baseball action at Earle Combs Stadium.
The Colonels hold the upper hand in the all-time series, boasting a commanding 22-9-1 record against Bellarmine. However, recent matchups have seen Bellarmine assert its prowess, making this weekend’s series a compelling battle between two proud programs hungry for victory.
In what promises to be a thrilling showdown, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as EKU and Bellarmine clash on the diamond, each vying for supremacy in Atlantic Sun Conference play.
