Eagles host Panthers for three-game set

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — University of Southern Indiana Baseball continues a five-game homestand this weekend when it hosts Eastern Illinois University for an Ohio Valley Conference three-game series at the USI Baseball Field. First pitch Friday and West Side Nut Club Night is slated for 6 p.m.; continues Saturday at 2 p.m.; and concludes Sunday at noon. 
 
Links to follow all of the action during the homestand can be found on the Eagles’ baseball schedule at USIScreamingEagles.com. The final game of the five-game homestand is April 25 when USI hosts a non-conference match-up with McKendree University at 6 p.m.   
 
Weekend Schedule Note: With the forecast of rains around the USI-area this weekend, fans can track any weather-related schedule changes on Twitter (@USIAthletics), Facebook (USI Athletics), and USIScreamingEagles.com.
 
USI Baseball Notes:
Eagles cruise through Mighty Oaks: The USI Screaming Eagles built an early 13-0 lead before cruising to a 15-6 win over Oakland City to open this week’s action. Junior right-hander Trent Robinson picked up his first win of the season, throwing four scoreless innings and striking out five. Senior utility player Lucas McNew led the Eagles at the plate by going four-for-five with three runs scored and two RBIs.
 
Eagles win two in a row: The Eagles have won their last two games, marking the first time the squad has won two in a row since March 14 when USI had won the last game of the Oakland University series and defeat Saint Louis University on the road. USI is looking to win three-straight for the first time this season on Friday.
 
Power lift versus OCU: Junior first baseman/designated hitter Tucker Ebest and junior first baseman/outfielder Jack Ellis provided the power versus OCU with a home run each. Ebest had a third inning two-run blast, while Ellis had a three-run shot in the fourth.
 
Stoh heating up: Junior catcher Parker Stroh has heated up at the plate over the last five games (making two starts), hitting .500 (3-6) with two runs scored and four RBIs.
 
Ebest is the best over the last 10: Junior designated hitter/first baseman Tucker Ebest has been the best at the plate over the last 10 games, hitting .433 with three home runs and six RBIs. Junior outfielder Gavin McLarty is close behind with a .391 mark and eight RBIs.    
 
Leading hitters: Sophomore outfielder Drew Taylor leads USI this season with a .346 batting average (18-52). Junior first baseman Tucker Ebest follows with a .304 average (35-115) and has a team-best 31 RBIs and seven home runs. 
 
McNew climbing the USI All-Time charts: Senior catcher/infielder Lucas McNew is tied for fifth all-time at USI in home runs (22); tied for fifth in RBIs (151) and tied for seventh in doubles (47).
 
USI vs. EIU: The series between USI and EIU tilts toward the Panthers, who hold an 18-5 series margin. EIU has won the last four meetings, taking the last meeting in 2002, 7-3, at USI. The last time the Eagles were victorious over the Panthers was in 1986 when USI won the first half of a doubleheader, 3-1. 
 
EIU this spring: EIU is 21-13 overall in the 2023, 3-6 in the OVC, and has won four-straight games after posting a 5-0 win over St. Xavier University Wednesday at home.