NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Following a highly anticipated home opener, the Belmont University baseball team (1-3) continues its early-season home stand at E.S. Rose Park this weekend, welcoming Central Michigan University for a competitive four-game non-conference series. The action-packed weekend kicks off with a Friday afternoon doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by single games on Saturday and Sunday.
Looking to Shift the Momentum, the Bruins enter the series hungry to snap a two-game skid after a tough 11-4 midweek loss to Bellarmine. Despite the recent outcome, Belmont's offensive identity is starting to take shape. The Bruins currently boast a .276 team batting average and have already collected 10 extra-base hits through their first four contests.
Leading the charge is senior infielder Charlie Davis, who has been nearly impossible to retire. Davis is currently hitting .444 with a team-high eight hits. Joining him in the productive core is sophomore Jake Maddox, who dazzled in the home opener with a two-hit performance, including a high-velocity triple that cleared the bases. Maddox currently leads the team in slugging percentage (.615) and total bases. Additionally, sophomore Cavan McMeans remains a consistent threat in the heart of the order, accounting for four RBIs and one of the team's two home runs on the young season.
On the mound, Belmont looks to refine its rotation depth. The staff has shown flashes of dominance, particularly from Tate Marland, who holds a 1.80 ERA over five innings of work, and McKale Stevenson, who has struck out four batters in just two innings of relief. Head coach Dave Jarvis will look for his starters to provide more length this weekend to preserve a bullpen that saw heavy usage during the opening series in Birmingham.
A Look at the Chippewas
Central Michigan (3-1) arrives in Nashville with significant momentum after taking three of four games in their opening series against West Georgia. The Chippewas' offense has been explosive, putting up 18 runs in their season opener.
The Bruins' pitching staff will have to navigate a disciplined CMU lineup featuring Harrison Bowman, who already has two home runs to his name, and Cayden Smith, who leads the team with a .375 average. The Chippewas are also aggressive on the basepaths, led by Cole Prout, who has successfully swiped three bases in the first week of play.
Gametimes for this weekend are as follows and are subject to change:
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Friday, Feb. 20 (Doubleheader): Game 1 at 1:00 PM | Game 2 at 4:30 PM
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Saturday, Feb. 21: 1:00 PM
- Sunday, Feb. 22: 1:00 PM
Follow Belmont baseball on social media - @BelmontBaseball on Twitter and @belmontbaseball on Instagram - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
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