Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
St. Bonaventure
Blue Raider Baseball set to host St. Bonaventure for weekend series
2/19/2026 3:30:00 PM | Baseball
Feb. 20-22, 2025 | Reese Smith Jr. Field | Murfreesboro, Tenn. |
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St. Bonaventure Bonnies 2-2, 0-0 A10 |
at | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 3-1, 0-0 CUSA |
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MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - MTSU baseball is preparing to continue its 13-game homestand to open the 2026 season at home, welcoming a familiar foe to town in the St. Bonaventure Bonnies. The Blue Raiders and Bonnies have matched up in each of the last three seasons, starting in 2023.
Middle Tennessee (3-1) vs. St. Bonaventure (2-2)Friday, Feb. 20
» Time/ Site 3 p.m. at The Reese
Middle Tennessee (3-1) vs. St. Bonaventure (2-2)
Saturday, Feb. 21
» Time/ Site 1 p.m. at The Reese
Middle Tennessee (3-1) vs. St. Bonaventure (2-2)
Sunday, Feb. 22
» Time/ Site 1 p.m. at The Reese
Last Five Games (Blue Raiders Lead 3-2)
Date Results Location
3.01.25 L, 3-13 Murfreesboro, Tenn.
3.10.24 W, 8-3 Murfreesboro, Tenn.
3.09.24 L, 2-12 (7) Murfreesboro, Tenn.
3.08.24 W, 6-4 Murfreesboro, Tenn.
2.26.23 W, 6-3 Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Last Time Out: The Blue Raiders took routed Alabama A&M in the two school's first ever matchup. With a 10-spot in the first inning, MTSU ultimately won 19-2 in seven innings.
Super 5-for-5 Bros.: Redshirt sophomore RF Brett Rogers and senior first baseman Dean O'Neill have set a precedent at the plate. with the pair going 5-for-5 in back-to-back games. Rogers accomplished the feat in the nightcap of a doubleheader against Bellarmine, while O'Neill did it on Feb. 17 against Alabama A&M.
Spraying the Ball: Heading into the weekend series, the Blue Raiders are second in Conference USA in team batting average, at .341 and second in total runs with 45.
Digging the Long Ball: MTSU is tied for the Conference USA lead in home runs, with 8. Catcher Tyler Minnick has led the way in the power department, with two pumps in the first four games.
Home Sweet Home: The Blue Raiders are home for the first 13 home games of the year. "The Reese" will host a total of 32 games throughout the 2026 season.
Meyers Back for Year Four: Head Coach Jerry Meyers is back for his fourth year at the helm. Meyers' interim tag was lifted after the 2023 season, and was extended as head baseball coach immediately.
'Pen shuts the door: Middle Tennessee flashed a formidable trio out of the pen across the first three games of the season. Right-hander Landen Burch shut the door in game one against Bellarmine with 3.0 innings of work, notching down a save.
Gavin King and John Michael Pickens also made strong contributions across the opening series. King threw 4.0 innings while sitting down five hitters in his debut for MTSU. Pickens picked up his first career save in his Blue Raider debut, striking out two across 3.1 innings.
Trace Phillips: Two-Way Superstar, Trace Phillips was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 MLB Draft to the Tampa Bay Rays. The RHP/INF signed the second highest UDFA signing bonus in history for $629,200 which is the average slot value for the third round - pick 120 in the draft.
Conference Honors: Drew Horn was the lone Blue Raider named to the 2025 All-Conference USA Preseason team after striking out 57 hitters across 46.1 IP last season.
Senior Status: The Blue Raiders have 14 seniors on this year's roster including Tyler Minnick and newcomer Dean O'Neill. The duo will look to split time between catching and first base, while the two hit .271 and .302 in the batter's box.
Hot Corner(s): Left and Right fielders Nathan Brewer and Brett Rogers ended opening weekend scalding hot. Brewer hit a home run and drove in five runners against Bellarmine, including a walk-off single to enact the run rule. Rogers hit .538 across the weekend, including going 5-for-5 in the win against Bellarmine.
New Bats Show Out: On opening day, first year Blue Raiders Owen Nowak and Dean O'Neill went back-to-back in the number inning, to put the Blue Raiders' offense in the driver's seat in a 8-2 win over Bellarmine.
Slotting right in: The Blue Raiders boast six outfielder's returning to this year's team and will be supplemented by Junior College transfer Owen Nowak.
Nowak hit .409/.479/ .637 in his sophomore season at McHenry County College with seven home runs and 79 RBI at the plate. The Wisconsin native projects to take over everyday duties in centerfield after the graduation of Eston Snider.
Watch the Blue Raiders: Select MTSU home games will be on ESPN+ in 2026. Road game broadcasts are subject to the home team's broadcast protocals. WGNS will carry the team's radio broadcasts.
Follow the Blue Raiders: Stay up to date with the Blue Raiders on X (@MT_Baseball), Facebook (Blue Raider Baseball) and Instagram (@MT_Baseball).
