As soon as one of the first two hitters in the Ball State University baseball team's lineup reach first base this weekend against Western Michigan University, it will likely only be a matter of time before they take off for second base.
Junior center fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker and senior second baseman Nate Fields have 50 stolen bases combined, enough to rank second among Mid-American Conference teams. Ball State (17-17) has 86 steals overall, leading the conference and ranking 10th in the nation through last weekend's games.
"It seems like if one of us gets on we always wind up in scoring position," Hazelbaker said.
Fields has swiped 26 bases, two more than Fields this season. Hazelbaker said the two have a friendly rivalry.
"It's an ongoing competition," Hazelbaker said. "Who's going to steal more bags. We really push each other to get bags and be aggressive."
A track meet will likely be held at Ball Diamond this weekend, as opponents have been successful 81 percent of the time on stolen bases against the Broncos, second most in the MAC.
"Obviously we're looking for every opportunity to steal," coach Greg Beals said. "It's a part of our game plan, and we'll exploit their weakness if possible."
Western Michigan (10-24) has struggled in other areas this season as well. It was picked to win the MAC West in the preseason but comes to Muncie tied with Eastern Michigan University for last place in the division.
"I'm not quite sure why they've struggled," Beals said. "They returned a lot of guys from last year and their No. 1 and 2 pitchers are capable guys."
Junior starting pitcher Billy Morrison was drafted in the ninth round after his sophomore season but is 2-6 with a 7.51 ERA. Sophomore right-hander Brian Stroud was last year's MAC Freshman of the Year and a freshman All-American. This season, Stroud is 1-7 with a 6.18 ERA.
In addition to its pitching problems, Western Michigan is struggling offensively. It ranks last in the MAC in batting average, runs and on-base percentage. Junior right fielder Chris Lewis leads the team with a .338 average. Senior left fielder Pedro Dager is the only other Bronco hitting over .300 with a .320 mark.
Western Michigan has not played since splitting a doubleheader Saturday against Eastern Michigan. Because it is finals week in Kalamazoo, Mich., the team did not compete. Beals said every team reacts differently to taking a week off.
"Sometimes a week off allows a team to rest," Beals said. "But sometimes a team isn't as sharp. Exam week is another variable into that."
Ball State had all of last week off because of rain and junior catcher Zach Dygert said it affected the hitters' timing in their 9-6 loss to Central Michigan University on April 17. That won't be the case for the Cardinals this weekend after defeating No. 23 Ohio State University 20-8 Wednesday.
Beals said there will be no hangover effect from the team's first win against a ranked team since 2006.
"It's a good win," Beals said. "It's part of the preparation for conference games, which is what's really important."
Western Michigan at Ball StateGame No. 35First pitch: 3 p.m. FridayBall Diamond Pitching matchup: RHP Billy Morrison (2-6, 7.51 ERA) vs. RHP Brad Piatt (4-1, 3.95)
Western Michigan at Ball StateGame No. 36First pitch: 1 p.m. SaturdayBall DiamondPitching matchup: RHP Brian Stroud (1-7, 6.18) vs. RHP Brenden Stines (2-3, 4.28)
Western Michigan at Ball StateGame No. 37First pitch: 1 p.m. SundayBall DiamondPitching matchup: RHP Eric Heckaman (2-3, 6.15) vs. RHP Kolbrin Vitek (2-2, 4.05)
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