Riding a league-best six-game win streak, the Ball State baseball team may be the league's hottest heading into the first full weekend of Mid-American Conference play.
A seventh-run rally in the ninth inning Sunday to complete a sweep of Detroit lifted the Cardinals' record to 11-6, the MAC's second-best behind Ohio (12-6).
Beginning today at 3 p.m., Ball State will host Central Michigan in a four-game series at Ball Diamond. Saturday's doubleheader and Sunday's single game will begin at 1 p.m.
"I think we're prepared for conference play," first-year head coach Greg Beals said. "The big win on Sunday gives us some excitement and confidence. The experience of having been in that situation will serve us well."
The Chippewas were picked just ahead of Ball State for third in the MAC West preseason coaches poll, but have stumbled to a 5-10 start. Beals is quick to disregard the teams' difference in records, however.
"Their record isn't that great," Beals said, "but it's not a good indication of them. They've played a good schedule. I've been in the league long enough to know they'll play tough."
On paper, though, the Cardinals seem to have a solid advantage over CMU.
The Chippewas rank 12th in the MAC in batting average (.237), with just Brian Campbell (.355) hitting over .300. Meanwhile, the Cards' .297 average ranks fourth. Freshman second baseman Kyle Dygert's .435 (third in MAC individually) leads four players over .300. Senior Adam Metzler leads the team in home runs (four) ad RBIs (20).
On the mound Ball State's team ERA of 4.46 is third in the MAC, compared with CMU's 6.39, ninth in the league. Jason Paul (3-1, 1.59), Brian Lynch (2-1, 2.93), Mike Johnston and Andy Anderson will be BSU's starting pitchers in the series.
Two of his team's strengths Beals has seen so far are depth and chemistry. While the starting lineup is "pretty solidified," he mentioned some backups who are fighting for playing time.
"James Nowicki, Marc Franz, Lorenzo Scott -- they're playing great and waiting for an opportunity," Beals said. "The chemistry's been very good. Over the winter almost every guy said it was a strength. Now I'm seeing that."
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