EVANSVILLE - In its only midweek contest of the season, the University of Evansville baseball team travels to take on Kentucky in Lexington, Ky. on Wednesday afternoon at 3 PM (CT).
Last Time Out: NIU 7, Evansville 4
- Eyeing a sweep, the University of Evansville baseball team battled in a 7-4 loss to NIU in the final game of the three-game series on Sunday afternoon at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.
- Evansville struck first offensively, scoring the game's opening run in the bottom of the second inning.
- With a pair of Aces in scoring position, a wild pitch by the Huskies scored sophomore Danny Borgstrom to give Evansville the 1-0 lead.
- The aforementioned big inning for NIU came in the top of the fourth as the Huskies scored five runs in the inning, including three on a home run to left center field by Jack Blazevich.
- Evansville answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning as freshman Max Malley lifted a sacrifice fly to left that scored Borgstrom again.
- In the fifth, NIU added two more runs on a single and a sacrifice fly to increase the Huskies lead to 7-2.
- The Aces slowly pushed closer, scoring a run in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings to close within three runs.
- In the bottom of the ninth, Evansville appeared to be replicating its magic from Friday night as senior Craig Shepherd opened the half inning with a base-hit.
- Following Shepherd's single, NIU pitcher Brandon McPherson recorded three-straight outs to end the game and give the Huskies a 7-4 win.
Previewing the Matchup: Kentucky
- Evansville and Kentucky meet for the 19th time in the series when the two sides collide on Wednesday.
- The Aces lead the all-time series with the Wildcats, 10-8.
- Back during the 2018 season, the Wildcats captured the last meeting between the two teams, 8-4, on Feb. 18 in Lexington.
- Kentucky enters Wednesday's game following a busy slate for the Wildcats. Wednesday's game will mark its sixth game in six days.
- Because his senior season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith's appearance on the mound Wednesday will represent his first competition since his junior season at Boonville HS in 2019. During his junior campaign, Smith pitched in two no-hitters, including a five inning, solo no-hitter in which Smith threw 11 strikeouts.
Zeros for Meyer, Dominik
- Evansville has gotten strong performances from a pair of relievers this season who were both newcomers to the program in 2020.
- Freshman Jakob Meyer has recorded a pair of saves in three appearances, pitching 4.2 innings, striking-out four and not allowing a run.
- Dominik made his season debut on Sunday, coming in and pitching 2.1 innings, allowing just one hit and holding the Huskies scoreless.
Patience at the Plate
- The Aces have showcased their patience at the plate in 2021.
- Evansville sits just outside the top 50 in the nation in base on balls earning 34 through seven games this season.
Scherry Impresses Early
- In his first collegiate season, freshman Simon Scherry has already made a strong impression, especially in this past weekend's series against NIU.
- In a series win over NIU, Scherry impressed with a bevy of extra-base hits.
- On the weekend, Scherry led Evansville with a .545 batting average, recording four doubles and six RBI.
- The local native recorded just two strikeouts and drew a walk and stole a base.
- Defensively, Scherry finished the weekend a perfect 1.000, playing both second base and shortstop.
- On the year, Scherry leads the Aces in average, doubles, and RBI.
- INFO: For all of the latest information on University of Evansville athletics, visit GoPurpleAces.com or follow the program on Twitter via @UEAthletics.
- FUTURE UNAFRAID: To make a gift to the Future Unafraid initiative and contribute to the Purple Aces' response to COVID-19, please visit UEAlumniOnline.com/FutureUnafraid
- SUPPORT: For information on giving to UE Athletics or its individual athletics programs, visit the SUPPORT tab on the top of GoPurpleAces.com
