KALAMAZOO, Mich. – For the second weekend in a row, Western Michigan baseball will hit the road as the Broncos travel to Buies Creek, N.C. for three games at the Campbell Invitational, Feb. 23-25.
Game Information
Friday, Feb. 23 –
Western Michigan Broncos (0-3) vs. Miami (2-2) |
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Saturday, Feb. 24 –
Western Michigan Broncos (0-3) at Campbell (0-4) |
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Sunday, Feb. 25 –
Western Michigan Broncos (0-3) vs. Yale (0-0) |
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Scouting the Broncos
Western Michigan opened up its 2018 campaign last weekend with a three-game series against Big Ten powerhouse Purdue in Emerson, Ga. The Broncos were originally scheduled to play at Houston Baptist before a flight cancellation out of the Chicago area due to heavy fog forced the Broncos to play Purdue.
Playing three games in two days against the Boilermakers the Broncos fell 5-1 in both games of a Saturday doubleheader before dropping game three, 10-4.
Broncos Picked to Finish Sixth in Preseason Poll
Western Michigan was picked to finish sixth in the Mid-American Conference with 47 votes. Kent State is the league favorite with 98 votes and eight first-place votes.
Forestell on a Roll
Junior catcher
Jesse Forestell continued his streak at the plate as the Chicago, Ill., native has reached base safely in 11 straight games.
Laio Dazzles in First Career Start
In game two of last Saturday's doubleheader against Purdue, junior RHP
Nic Laio recorded a stellar performance in his first career start. Laio went a career-high five innings allowing just one run on four hits while striking out three.
Top of the Field Once Again
Through the first weekend of action, Western Michigan leads the MAC with a .982 fielding percentage. Last weekend, the Broncos had 13 players with a perfect fielding percentage and turned five double plays.
Henderson Leading the Way at the Plate
Junior
Conner Henderson opened up 2018 with a stellar weekend at the plate, hitting .364 with one run scored, a double and a stolen base.
Home Sweet Home
WMU will have 23 home games this season inside Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field. The Broncos will play host to two Big Ten opponents in mid-week action in Michigan State and Northwestern. The Brown & Gold plays its first home series, March 16-18 against Butler.
Scouting Miami
Fellow MAC Foe Miami is currently 2-2 after opening up the season with a split at Arizona State. Miami returns seven starters from last years' team along with five key pitchers. The RedHawks ranks fifth in the MAC in batting average (.264) and sixth in ERA (6.40). Pitcher Nick Ernest was named MAC Co-Pitcher of the Week after going six innings, allowing one run on four hits and striking out six in a victory over ASU.
Scouting Campbell
Campbell sits with an overall record of 0-4 and is coming off a loss against in-state rival East Carolina on Wednesday. To begin the season, the Fighting Camels were swept at home by No.25 St. Johns. Campbell was picked to finish fifth in the Big South preseason poll Matthew Barefoot and Jeff Hahs each being named to the Perfect Game USA preseason All-Big South Team.
Scouting Yale
Yale will open its 2018 season at the Campbell Invitational taking on host school Campbell and Miami before ending the weekend against the Broncos. The Bulldogs went 34-18 last season and made an appearance in the NCAA Regionals. Yale was selected to win the Ivy League in the preseason and is led by pitcher Eric Brodkowitz and designated hitter Benny Wanger who were selected as First All-Americans by Jewish Sports Review.
