Since starting the season 0-4, first-year baseball coach Greg Beals' team has been on a roll, winning 19 of 23 games and jumping ahead of the Mid-American Conference West Division.
Still, Beals knows his team can't remain satisfied, especially this weekend, with a pair of doubleheaders against Miami on the slate. Ball State travels to Oxford, Ohio, Friday and hosts the RedHawks Sunday. Both sets begin at 1 p.m.
"Confidence, but not complacency" is what Beals wants from his team.
"One side of me wants the guys to understand they're playing well," he said, "but I want them to see it's still early in the MAC. We've got to keep grinding. We can still get better."
Given the strong rivalry with Miami, BSU has to be ready for the RedHawks.
Miami is 13-14-1 overall, but is in first in the MAC East (3-1). David Cook's .353 batting average and 28 runs lead the team, while Michael Corkin has 10 home runs and 33 RBIs. Graham Taylor (3-2, 2.64 ERA) is the top starting pitcher.
"(Because) it's a rivalry and it's been that way for a long time, it's always going to be a good game," Beals said. "Their pitching is young but talented, and the lineup has good college seniors."
As for his own team, Beals is pleased with the recent improvement in pitching and defense and also feels his team's batting average (.326, second in the MAC) can get even better. Kyle Dygert's .429 leads a pack of eight players over .300.
"(Lately) we have emphasized defense in practice more than usual," Beals said. "We spent time on communication stuff and positioning.
"I do feel good about our pitching. I'm looking forward to Brian Lynch having a good outing. I can feel it. Good pitchers like him don't have several bad outings in a row."
Lynch, the No. 2 starter, has struggled of late; currently he has a 2-3 record and 5.31 ERA. Fellow senior Jason Paul sports a league-leading five wins and 2.34 ERA. John Pettibone's six saves are also a league leader.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
