Belmont University announced on Apr. 23 that its men’s baseball team will travel to Valparaiso for a Missouri Valley Conference series this weekend, as the second half of league play begins.
The matchup is significant for both teams as Belmont aims to improve its current record of 14-27 overall and 5-7 in conference play. The Bruins are looking to climb the standings by securing wins against a Valparaiso team that has been competitive at home.
Offensively, Belmont’s lineup has shown consistency throughout the season. Charlie Davis leads the team with a .357 batting average, contributing power and speed with 13 doubles, five triples, and four home runs. Brady Holbrook has maintained a .339 average with four home runs and 21 RBIs, while Landon Godsey leads in home runs (eight) and RBIs (35), providing strength in the middle of the order.
On the pitching side, McKale Stevenson has recorded a 2.43 earned run average with 34 strikeouts over 33.1 innings pitched. Ridge Harvey adds depth with 40 strikeouts across 36.1 innings, while Tate Marland offers durability as he leads starters in innings pitched.
Belmont will focus on limiting big innings from opponents who have hit .296 against them so far this season. The team’s defense holds a .968 fielding percentage, which could be key during road games.
Valparaiso enters the series at 9-27 overall and winless in Missouri Valley Conference series this year. Michael Kuska is their top hitter at .316 batting average and .378 slugging percentage; starting pitchers scheduled include Adam Guazzo (Friday), Connor Lockwood (Saturday), and Nick Baffa (Sunday).
Historically, Belmont holds an advantage over Valparaiso with an all-time record of eleven wins to two losses between the programs; their last meeting ended in a sweep by Belmont at E.S. Rose Park in Nashville.
Following this weekend’s games, Belmont will return home for a rematch against UT Martin on Tuesday afternoon.
