Marion, Ill. – The Braves return home this weekend to take on the Indiana State Sycamores in a three-game series, which will take place at Mtn. Dew Park in Marion, Ill.
Mtn Dew Park Location: Mtn Dew Park, 1000 Miners Drive, Marion, IL 62959
Bradley Braves Overview
The Braves (9-31) are coming off two midweek losses to the University of Illinois on Tuesday and Western Illinois on Wednesday. Cole Smith had a solid performance in both games, hitting 4-for-9 with a double and an RBI. He has reached safely in his last 10 games with five multi-hit games in that span.
Bobby Atkinson is the player to watch this weekend. He has been phenomenal throughout the season, boasting a 1.044 OPS, a .342 batting average, 50 hits, and a .455 on-base percentage. He has been one of the hottest hitters for the Braves heading into this weekend, as he has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
On the mound, Bradley's pitching staff may be fatigued heading into this one after their two-game weekday series. Reece Clapp did not pitch for the Braves during the week and has been a solid closer for the team this season, making him a key arm to watch this weekend. He leads the Braves in ERA, and also tops the team with three saves.
Indiana State Sycamores Overview
The Sycamores (21-23) have been an up-and-down team all season, but have struggled as of late, losing six of their last seven games. Carlos Pena has been the best hitter for the Sycamores so far this season, leading his team with a 1.092 OPS, 13 home runs, 47 RBI, and a .657 slugging percentage.
On the mound, Max McEwan has been a great starter for Indiana State this season. He currently leads the team with 62 strikeouts, six wins, and a 4.20 ERA among qualified pitchers, while holding hitters to just a .213 batting average against him. He has not allowed a run in his last two outings while striking out 12 over 12 ⅔ innings pitched.
Matchup Outlook
The Braves' bats will need to show up this weekend to help support the pitching staff. Bradley's pitchers will most likely be working on shorter rest than they are used to, so the offense will need to have a standout performance to lower the Sycamores' morale early in the series.
