Baseball Set For Weekend Series Against Valparaiso

VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Belmont hits the road this weekend for a key Missouri Valley Conference series against Valparaiso, looking to build momentum as the second half of league play begins to take shape. The Bruins enter the series at 14-27 overall and 5-7 in conference play, aiming to climb the standings against a Valpo squad that has proven competitive on its home field.

Belmont's offense has shown flashes of consistency throughout the season, led by one of the most productive top halves of the lineup in the conference. Charlie Davis continues to pace the Bruins with a .357 batting average, combining power and speed with 13 doubles, five triples, and four home runs. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities has been a driving force behind Belmont's offensive production.

Brady Holbrook has also been a steady presence, hitting .339 while providing timely power with four home runs and 21 RBIs. Landon Godsey adds another dangerous bat in the middle of the order, leading the team with eight home runs and 35 RBIs while slugging .533. The trio gives Belmont a strong foundation offensively, especially when the lineup is able to string together quality at-bats.

On the mound, Belmont will look for stability from its weekend rotation. McKale Stevenson has been one of the Bruins' most reliable arms, posting a 2.43 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 33.1 innings. Ridge Harvey has also contributed with 40 strikeouts across 36.1 innings, while Tate Marland has logged the most innings among starters, providing durability despite facing tough lineups throughout the year.

The key for Belmont this weekend will be limiting big innings. Opponents are hitting .296 against the Bruins, and tightening up command while minimizing free passes will be critical against a Valparaiso lineup that capitalizes on scoring opportunities. Defensively, Belmont has been solid overall with a .968 fielding percentage, but clean, mistake-free baseball will be essential in a road conference setting.

About the Beacons

• Valparaiso is currently 9-27 on the season and 2-10 in the MVC so far this season.
• They have not won a series yet this season in the MVC.
• Offensively, Valpo is lead by Michael Kuska, who is batting .316 and slugging .378. 
• Starters on the mound this weekend include, Friday RHP Adam Guazzo, Saturday RHP Connor Lockwood, and Sunday RHP Nick Baffa.

Series History Against Valparaiso

• Belmont holds the advantage 11-2 on the Beacons
• The last meeting was in Nashville at E.S. Rose Park where the Bruins completed the weekend sweep.
• Belmont looks to extend the advantage and potentially achieve their first sweep of the season. 

Up Next

Belmont will return home and compete in rematch against UT Martin on Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 PM from E.S. Rose Park.


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