Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Fall World Series Times Announced
10/9/2018 10:30:00 AM | Baseball
First pitch scheduled for 3 p.m. for all three days
MURFREESBORO, Tenn.- The Fall World Series returns to Reese Smith Jr. Field on Wednesday Oct. 10 to Friday Oct. 12, and will be a culmination of the work the players have put in the past month and a half.
"The guys have had a great work ethic on the field and in the weight room," Head Coach Jim Toman said. "We need to continue get in better shape and get stronger for the remainder of the fall."
The Blue Raiders have a fine balance between newcomers and veterans. With 33 players on the roster, 11 of those are in their first year with the program.
With so many new faces, Coach Toman wanted his team to get as much game action as possible. Since the first practice on Sept. 6, the Blue Raiders have had 11 intrasquad scrimmages and two games, ensuring that all of the players see game action this fall.
While the competitiveness in the intrasquad scrimmages was very evident, the Blue Raiders brought that same energy and toughness to their two fall games. MTSU defeated Columbia State 7-3, and Motlow State 12-2 as they jumped on both teams early, averaging 5.5 runs in the first three innings. The offensive wealth was also shared evenly, with eight different Blue Raiders picking up RBIs in the two games.
The pitching staff was dominant as well during the games, giving up just four earned runs, and a 1.0 WHIP.
But with still four months until the 2019 season begins, the Blue Raiders hard work this offseason is nowhere near complete.
"We need to continue to get better at the basic fundamentals of the game," Toman said. "Throwing strike one, holding runners, running the bases smarter, hitting the cutoff man, and we also need to play at a faster pace with more urgency and with more energy."
First pitch for all three games is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to come see their Blue Raiders.
Fall Notes:
-Myles Christian has seen time almost exclusively at shortstop this fall. After making all 48 of his starts in the outfield last season, the sophomore standout could be used at several positions before the 2019 season is over.
-With right fielder Blake Benefield being the only starter returning to the outfield this fall, both left and center field have seen a competitive battle between the three other outfielders on the roster. Returners Darien Prewett and Darrell Freeman Jr. both saw significant playing time last season, and sophomore transfer Peter Brown has also proven that he can be a viable option in the outfield.
-With the graduation of last year's Friday starter Jake Wyrick, the Blue Raiders are looking for their next ace. Sophomores Zach Keenan and Peyton Wigginton look to be the front runners as both pitchers have fared well in the scrimmages. The two combined for 14 starts a season ago.
-With 19 pitchers on the fall roster, the Blue Raiders have been able to get pitchers plenty of work without overworking any of the young arms.
