March 21, 2025 | Springfield, Mo. | Hammons Field
The Bradley Braves opened Missouri Valley Conference play with a three-game road series at Missouri State, dropping all three contests despite showing flashes of offensive potential. The Braves totaled 16 runs and 24 hits over the weekend, including a five-double, one-homer performance in Friday's opener and a five-run eighth inning rally on Saturday.
Game 1: Missouri State 20, Bradley 6
After scoring in the first, Bradley's bats stayed quiet until erupting for five runs in the sixth inning. Junior Mason Breidenbach led the offense with a 2-for-4 night, including two doubles and an RBI. Freshman CJ Trask chipped in with a double and drove in a run as well.
Bradley's bullpen struggled to contain Missouri State, allowing 14 hits and 16 earned runs.
Top Performer: Mason Breidenbach (2-for-4, 2 2B, RBI)
Bradley Offense: 8 hits, 6 runs, 5 doubles, 1 HR
Pitching Grit: 20 runs allowed, 16 earned, 6 strikeouts
Game 2: Missouri State 16, Bradley 8
Trailing 11-3 in the seventh, the Braves chipped away and exploded for five in the eighth to get within reach. Bobby Atkins and Beau Durbin each scored, while Nick Hosie drove in two runs. The offense was powered by patience and hustle, with three walks and a pair of doubles highlighting the effort.
Missouri State's offense remained relentless, however, posting 14 hits and capitalizing on nine walks issued by Bradley pitching.
Top Performer: Nick Hosie (2 RBI, strong defensive effort)
Bradley Offense: 8 hits, 8 runs, 6 walks, 2 doubles, 1 HR
Pitching Grit: 16 runs allowed, 15 earned, 7 strikeouts
Game 3: Missouri State 8, Bradley 2
Bradley got on the board in the sixth and seventh innings, with RBIs from Mason Breidenbach and Nick Fleckenstein. Mitch Ball continued his consistent performance with a 2-for-4 afternoon, while Nick Hosie added a double and a run scored.
The bullpen showed fight with nine strikeouts, but Missouri State's five doubles and two home runs proved too much.
Top Performer: Mitch Ball (2-for-4, consistent at-bats)
Bradley Offense: 8 hits, 2 runs, 1 double, 3 HBP
Pitching Grit: 8 runs allowed, 8 earned, 9 strikeouts
Looking Ahead
Bradley will regroup after a tough opening conference series. With offensive contributions from both veterans and newcomers, the Braves aim to reset and capitalize on upcoming non-conference opportunities with a midweek game at Lindenwood (10-14)
