Aces head into fun-filled weekend series against Illinois State

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EVANSVILLE – Looking to continue its run of strong performance, the University of Evansville baseball team plays host to Illinois State for a three-game set on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.

Previewing the Matchup: Illinois State

  • The Aces and Redbirds are meeting for the 125th time in series history with Illinois State owning a 69-54-1 advantage in the all-time series.
  • Evansville and Illinois State met five times last season, four during their regular season series in Normal, Ill. and once in the first game of the MVC Championship in Carbondale, Ill., with Illinois State taking four of the five meetings.
  • Entering the weekend, Evansville sits alone at the top of the MVC standings with a 9-3 mark in conference play, while the Redbirds are tied for fifth at 5-7 in Valley play.
  • The Aces have won eight of their last nine MVC contests, earning sweeps over Missouri State and Bradley. Evansville’s lone loss in its last nine Valley contests came in extra innings to Indiana State.

Getting a Boost

  • Comparing the 2021 seasons for Mark Shallenberger and Brent Widder to what they have produced so far in 2022 shows the hard work both have put in.
  • Shallenberger hit .258 with nine doubles, five homers, and 27 RBI a season ago and this season is currently hitting .373 with 15 doubles, nine homers, and an MVC-best 46 RBI.
  • Widder hit .246 last season with two homers and 17 RBI. Through 42 games this year, Widder is hitting .330 with seven home runs and 38 RBI, putting him top 10 in the MVC.

A Tale of Two Seasons

  • The Aces opened the season with a 3-10 record, but turned its season around with a series sweep of Tulane, going 21-8 since.
  • Prior to the Tulane series, the Aces were hitting just .248 at the plate. In the Tulane series and onward, UE is hitting .291.
  • The pitching staff has also seen big improvements dropping a 6.75 ERA prior to the trip to New Orleans down to a 4.86 ERA since, which would rank in the top 100 in the nation.

Kids and Family Day | Saturday, 2 PM

  • Kids (17 and under) get in free to Saturday’s game.
  • Inflatables, face painting, free popsicles, and more!

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