Baseball Controls Destiny Heading into Weekend Set with Alderson Broaddus - Wheeling University Athletics (2024)

Terry Hanco*ck

Baseball 4/28/2023 12:27:00 PM

Wheeling, W. Va. - Entering the final two weeks of the regular season, the Wheeling University Baseball team (23-18, 12-12) sits in a second-place tie with rival West Liberty in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) North Division. They look to continue controlling their destiny this weekend as they hit the road for a four-game set with Alderson Broaddus on Saturday and Sunday. With eight games remaining in the conference schedule, the Cardinal's magic number sits at 6, with any combination of six Wheeling wins or six Notre Dame College losses would guarantee Wheeling their second-ever trip to the MEC Tournament.

Leading the Cardinals offensive attack was third baseman Spencer Craig, who recorded his first three-hit game of his collegiate career. He finished the day 3-4 with a home run and three RBI as he kept a short four-game hitting streak alive. During that streak, Craig managed to hit .467 (7-15) with one double, two home runs, and six RBI. He has also been coming through in clutch situations for the team, with each of his two home runs serving as game-tying or lead extending shots. His first came with two-outs in the team's 7-6 win over Fairmont State in game two of day one of that series and his other made it an 8-5 game in Tuesday's battle with Seton Hill.

Another Cardinal who has been providing power is senior Jacob Murray, who hit his third home run in the last three games against Seton Hill. It was his only hit of the day, but it came at a big spot as he helped his team answer the Griffins three-spot in the top of the first. Murray has his average up to .324 on the season and is currently second behind Braden Killens with eight home runs this season. Both Killens and Murray have eclipsed the single-season home run mark of seven, set by former Cardinal Chris Iazzetta last season, and both are continuing to swing hot bats down the stretch. The Cardinals currently have five of their regular nine starters with averages of .300 or higher as they look to continue to swing hot bats down the stretch.

With two more MEC series to go and one more non-conference game on the schedule, the Cardinals will try to stay hot as they head down the home stretch. They are trying to make just their second appearance in the MEC Tournament in program history, after making the tournament for the first time back in 2021. With the top three teams in each division making the tournament, the Cardinals currently control their own destiny, and six more wins, or six Notre Dame College losses could guarantee the Cardinals a spot. To clinch a spot this weekend, the Cardinals would have to win at least three of their four games in Phillipi, West Virginia, while having Notre Dame College lose at least three of their four games against MEC North leading Frostburg State.

The Matchup

The Cardinals and Battlers are meeting for the 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st times in program history this weekend, with Alderson Broaddus leading the all-time series at 18-9. When Wheeling hits the road, they are just 2-9 in the series, however, over the last 10 meetings Wheeling has turned it around going 7-3 during that span. Wheeling's offense has been driving the success, with the team scoring five or more runs in each of the last eight games in the series.

Last season, the Cardinals won the season series, taking three out of four games which included a sweep on the final day of the series. The Cardinals scored a combined 28 runs between those two games, winning game one 17-5 before following with an 11-5 win in game two. Jacob Murray led the way in game one of that series, going 3-4 with a double and two RBI while game two was led by Garth Charlton, who put together a 2-3 day with three RBI in the game.

The Details

First pitch for Saturday's series opener doubleheader is scheduled for 1 PM in Phillipi, West Virginia. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.