Baseball Poised for First MAC Tournament Game in Seven Seasons, Takes on Ball State Wednesday

Eastern Michigan Baseball vs. Ball State, Miami \| 2025 MAC Tournament
Date	Wednesday-Thursday \| May 21-22
Venue	Crushers Stadium \| Avon, Ohio
Preview Info	EMU Notes (PDF) \| Media Guide
Tickets	Purchase Here
Watch Live (ESPN+)	vs. Ball State \| Game Two vs TBD
Live Stats	vs. Ball State \| Game Two vs TBD
Listen Live	vs. Ball State \| Game Two vs TBD
Championship Central	Championship Central
Tournament Bracket	View Here
Social Media	X: @EMU _Baseball \| @EMUAthletics IG: @emu_baseball \| @emuathletics

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Earning its first Mid-American Conference Tournament berth since 2018, the six, seed Eastern Michigan University baseball team is slated for a first-round matchup against the third seed, Ball State University Wednesday, May 21, 12:30 p.m., at Crushers Stadium, in Avon, Ohio. Should the Eagles win the game, they will advance in the winner's bracket to the second round against the first seed Miami University Thursday, May 22, 2 p.m.

Eastern enters the game against Ball State with a 20-29 (12-18 MAC) record and is coming off a 2-1 series-loss to Kent State, May 15-17. However, its 12-11 (12) walk-off win in the series-opener proved crucial as without it the Eagles would not have made the MAC Tournament. For the Cardinals, they most recently dropped a three-game set (2-1) against Miami, May 15-17, a series that saw a total of 72 runs scored including a 26-16 (8) decision in favor of the RedHawks in the series-finale, May 17.

Fans can purchase tickets, access the tournament bracket and championship central, and follow along using the watch, live stats, and radio links by accessing the EMU baseball schedule page here. Also, stay tuned to EMU baseball socials including EMU_Baseball on X, and emu_baseball on Instagram for live in-game updates and additional EMU baseball content.

ON THE AIR
The game will stream live on ESPN+ at 12:30 p.m. with Dave Bacon and Andy Jardy on the call from Crushers Stadium in Avon, Ohio. Greg Steiner and Elena Davis will have the radio call on Eagle All-Access and The Varsity Network.

BACK IN THE TOURNEY
Eastern is back in the MAC Tournament for the first time since 2018 and 17th overall. EMU holds a 37-25 all-time record in the tournament and has won it four times, tying for the second-most all-time with Central Michigan while Kent State has the most with 12. EMU most recently won it in the 2008 season when it went a perfect 4-0, marking its third time sweeping the tournament as it previously did so in the first two MAC Tournaments from 1981-82. In Avon specifically, EMU holds an even 8-8 mark in tournament play with its highest finish coming in 2017 as the runner-up after posting a 4-2 overall record and losing to No. 5, Ohio, 7-4 in the championship game.

HOW THEY GOT HERE
Eastern got off to a strong start in MAC play as it started 6-4 in its first ten conference games, including a sweep over Akron to kickoff conference play, March 7-9, and at one point tied for first place in the MAC. After securing a 2-1 series win over Ohio, March 28-29, it won just two of its next 12 conference tilts, and was swept by Ball State, April 4-6, and Bowling Green, April 26-27. The Eagles lost their series against NIU and CMU, 2-1, May 2-3, May 9-11, respectively, setting up a series against Kent State where they had to win at least one game to get into the tournament field. Eastern did just that as they triumphed over the Golden Flashes, 12-11 (12) via junior Cooper Vance's two-run no-doubter walk-off bomb. Eastern owned the tiebreaker over Western Michigan after beating it in a series, March 14-15, and was aided by Toledo, who swept Central Michigan on the final weekend of conference play, granting the Eagles' their first postseason berth since 2018.

IF EMU WINS
If Eastern wins its first-round game against Ball State it will advance to the second round where it will face the number one seed, Miami, Thursday, May 22, 2 p.m.

IF EMU LOSES
If Eastern loses its first-round game against Ball State it will shift to the consolation bracket where it will play the loser of No. 5 Toledo vs. No. 4 Bowling Green Thursday, May 22, 10 a.m. EMU holds a combined 1-5 record against BGSU and Toledo this season.

LAST TIME IN AVON
Eastern was aced out in the 2018 MAC Tournament as it lost to three seed Ball State, 6-3, and five seed Toledo, 2-1 (10), marking just the third time Eastern has gone winless at the tournament.

BRITT IN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENTS
While entering his first NCAA Division I conference tournament, Head Coach Robbie Britt is no stranger to conference tournaments. As the head coach at NCAA Division II Charleston (W. Va.), Britt led the Golden Eagles to two MEC Tournament Championships, three NCAA Division II Regionals, and had Charleston one game from advancing to a super regional in the 2022 season. Overall, he holds a 9-4 record in conference tournament games in 13 total contests, and a 5-6 record in NCAA Regionals, combining for a 14-10 post season record.

ADVANCING IN THE TOURNEY
Of its 17 MAC Tournament berths, the Eagles have advanced to at least the second round 12 times, the third round three times (only in the eight-team format), the semifinals 11 times, and the final eight times. There have only been three occasions where the Eagles didn't win a game in the tournament (2002, 2006, 2018). Additionally, there has also been three occasions where the Eagles won at least three games but did not finish as either the champions or runner ups (2011, 2016, 2018).

ALL-TIME AS THE SIX SEED
Eastern has earned the six seed at the MAC Tournament for the fourth time (2006, 2012, 2018, 2025) in program history. The Eagles post a 1-6 all-time record as the sixth seed and made it to the second round one time as it won a 4-3 opening-round game against CMU in 2012,but proceeded to lose to Miami, 2-1, and CMU, 6-4 in its next two contests.

ALL-TIME WHEN FACING SEEDS 3 AND 1
Despite being high seeds, Eastern has seen success when facing the third and first seeds in the conference tournament. In ten games against the three seed, Eastern is 7-3. In 14 matchups against the one seed, EMU is 8-6. The Eagles most recently beat a three seed when they bested Central Michigan, 4-3, in the opening round of the 2012 tournament, which also serves as the last time they topped the three seed as the six seed.

EMU last beat the one seed in the 2008 tournament as it routed Kent State to the tune of 12-4 to win its fourth tournament championship. Eastern has never beat the one seed as the six seed.

LAST TIME AGAINST SEEDS 3 AND 1
Eastern most recently faced the three seed in the 2018 tournament when it dropped a 6-2 decision to Ball State. The occasion also serves as the most recent time Eastern faced the three seed as the sixth seed. The last time EMU took on the one seed was in the 2016 season as it dropped a 4-2 game to Kent State in the semi-finals. Eastern has faced the one seed as the sixth seed just one time in tournament history as it lost a 2-1 game to Kent State in the first round in 2006.

MAC TOURNEY HONORS
Eastern has earned 25 MAC All-Tournament Team honors and three Tournament MVPs. Its most decorated season came in 2008 after seeing four players earn the nod while Zack Leonard was tabbed MVP.

ALL-TIME AGAINST BALL STATE
Eastern and Ball State will face off for the 176th time Wednesday. Overall, the series is neck-and-neck with the Cardinals holding a slight edge as EMU possesses a 85-89-1 all-time record against BSU and a 1-2 clip when facing them in the MAC Tournament. They last faced each other in the tournament in 2018 as the third seed Cardinals beat the six seed Eagles, 6-2. Ball State has controlled the series in recent years as Eastern holds a 2-8 record in the last 10 games against the Cardinals. Eastern is looking to snap a four-game losing streak against BSU.

ALL-TIME AGAINST MIAMI
Eastern and Miami will meet on the diamond for the 137th time Wednesday. Overall, the Eagles hold a 65-71 all-time record when facing the RedHawks, and a 3-5 record when facing them in the MAC Tournament. Miami has controlled the series as of late as it has won seven of the previous 10 matchups.

THIS SEASON AGAINST BALL STATE
EMU was swept at home by BSU earlier this season, April 4-6. After a 13-2 run-rule loss in game one, EMU and BSU went 14 innings in the second game, resulting in a 4-2 BSU win in a game that was scoreless for eight straight frames (6th-13th) and 12/14 innings total. The Eagles took a 5-3 lead into the ninth in the series finale but couldn't secure the win as Ball State plated six in the top half and the Eagles failed to match its total in the bottom half.

THIS SEASON AGAINST MIAMI
Eastern fell in a three-game set to the RedHawks, 2-1, March 21-22. The Eagles dropped games one and two before erupting for a season-best offensive performance, besting Miami in the series-finale, 19-12. See "Offensive Explosion" note on page 10.

POTENT OFFENSE
Through 49 games, the Eagles' offense ranks inside the MAC top five in six categories, including pacing the MAC with the fewest strikeouts, as they have gone down on strikes just 350 times, 12 fewer than the second-least strikeout total (Ohio - 32).

Stat                         Figure          MAC Rnk.
Strikeouts (Least) 362               1st
On-Base %             0.399            4th
Runs Per Game      7.7                4th
Runs                        375               5th
Homers/game       1.22              5th
RBI                          349               5th

PITCHING RANKINGS
Through 49 games, Eastern pitching ranks inside the top five in the conference in value in eight categories, most notably ranking first in home runs allowed (44) and sacrifice hits allowed (10).

Stat                         Figure          MAC Rnk.
Homers Allowed   44                 1st
Sac Hits Allowed   10                 1st
IP (Fewest)             416.1            1st
XBH Allowed          160               3rd
Hits Allowed          504               4th
Ks Per Nine            8.4                5th
Saves                      10                 T5th
Doubles Allowed   99                 4th

KAPA's Ks
Senior right-hander Tyler Kapa has demonstrated high strike-throwing ability in 15 appearances (12 starts) this season. He has sat down a total of 84 batters, good for the most in the conference, 59th in the nation, and the most by an Eagle in a single season since Luke Russo's 107 in 2023. Kapa's 11 strikeouts at Albany, April 19, stand as the most in a single game in the MAC this season and a Division I career high for the Waterford, Mich., native. He also struck out nine two other times this season, making him the only pitcher in the MAC to fan at least nine batters on three different occasions.

The 6-foot-2 righty also ranks highly in strikeouts per nine innings as he slots first in the conference and 21st in the nation, averaging 12.19 Ks per nine.

KAPA: 4 CONSECUTIVE APPEARANCES WITH 7+ STRIKEOUTS
Tyler Kapa has posted four consecutive starts with at least seven strikeouts, most recently sitting down eight in a 9-7 win over Central Michigan, May 10. The last time he failed to strikeout seven in a start came against Toledo, April 13, when he struck out four in a 6-2 loss. Kapa's four straight starts with at least seven strikeouts are the first instance of an Eagle starter doing so since Luke Russo in the 2023 season, April 22-29. Russo recorded five consecutive games with at least seven Ks, totaling 44 in the process with his high watermark being 12 in a 12-2 win at Niagara, April 29.

HUGO CAREER HOMERS
Logan Hugo has hit 32 home runs in his career, tying him Mitchell McGeein (2013-16) for the fifth-most in program history. Ryan Goleski (2001-03) holds the program's career record with 51 long balls. Two more home runs would tie him with Chris Hoiles (1984-86) for the fourth-most in program history. Hugo also ranks in the program all-time top-10 in RBI (8th - 134) and runs (9th - 146).

HUGO BREAKOUT SEASON
Logan Hugo is in the midst of a breakout season. After winning the MAC Player of the Week award for the first time in his career, Feb. 25. Hugo is currently posting career highs in batting average (.320), slugging (.584), on-base (.427), and OPS (1.011).

His 12 doubles, 63 hits, 52 runs, 58 RBI, 33 walks, and 12 home runs mark career highs. Hugo needs one stolen base to match his career high of 18 (2024) and two to surpass that total.

HUGO CAREER DAY
Senior outfielder Logan Hugo had a career day in the 19-12 win over the RedHawks, March 22. Hugo went 5-for-6 from the plate with two home runs, two doubles, six RBI, and three runs. His five hits, two home runs, and six RBI all marked career-highs. The five hits and 13 total bases stand as the most from an individual in the MAC this season while his two home runs stand as the second-most, and six RBI rank as the fourth-most in the conference.

SLAMMIN' EAGS
EMU excels in hitting grand slams as they have hit five this season with Harrison Travis recording the team's fifth in the 14-4 run-ruling win over YSU, April 22. EMU's five grand slams are its most since at least the 2018 season, and stand three short of tying for the sixth-most in NCAA Division I history in terms of value. Should it reach eight grand slams, EMU would be the seventh team in NCAA history to do so in a season. It would be the only MAC team on the list.

Eagles with Grand Slams

Name                       Opp.            Date
Devan Zirwas           Akron          March 8
John Hale                 WMU          March 15
Ty Stecko                 Toledo        April 12
Logan Hugo             Albany         April 17
Harrison Travis        YSU              April 22

LIMITING POWER
Eastern pitching has allowed 160 extra-base hits (XBH) this season, ranking third in the conference. Toledo has allowed the least at 146, followed by Kent State who has given up 157.

PLAYERS/PITCHERS OF THE WEEK
Eastern has earned four MAC weekly honors, doubling the two it had last season. Most recently, Tyler Kapa was named MAC Pitcher of the Week, April 21. The honor marked the Eagles' fourth player of the week award of the season as Logan Hugo (Feb. 25) and Devan Zirwas (March 4) previously earned the recognition as position players, and Drew Beckner was named MAC Pitcher of the Week, April 14.

After Beckner's pitcher of the week nod, April 14, and Kapa's, April 21, the Eagles' have earned consecutive MAC Pitcher of the Week awards for the first time since the 2017 season when Brad Allen won it, March 27, followed by Brent Mattson the next week, April 3.

CONSECUTIVE POTW AWARDS
Eastern is one of three MAC schools to earn consecutive MAC Player/Pitcher of the Week honors, and the only school in the conference to do so for both the player and pitcher of the week award. Logan Hugo and Devan Zirwas won the player of the week award in consecutive weeks, Feb. 25, March 1, while Drew Beckner and Tyler Kapa recently won back-to-back pitcher of the week honors, April 14 and April 21.

ZIRWAS BREAKOUT YEAR
Junior infielder Devan Zirwas is excelling after seeing just 48 at-bats in his redshirt freshman season at VCU in 2024. He has set career highs in at-bats (192), runs (42), hits (65), doubles (20), home runs (eight), RBI (52), total bases (111), walks (31), and stolen bases (two). He is also posting career best numbers in average (.339) , slugging (.578), on-base (.441), and OPS (1.019). Zirwas has also improved his discipline at the plate as he struck out in 30% of his at-bats in 2024 and currently strikes out just 18.2% of the time this season.

Additionally, his batting average, hits and doubles totals all lead the team as he ranks inside the top three in nearly every offensive category.

DEV'S DOUBLES
Devan Zirwas ranks 26th in the nation and third in the MAC with 20 doubles. In doubles per game, he stands 22nd in the nation and third in the conference with a 0.42 average. His doubles are the most from the program since 2022 MAC Player of the Year Matt Kirk hit 24 in the 2023 campaign. Currently, Zirwas' 20 doubles are tied with Lee Longo (2014) for seventh in program history. Should he reach 21 two-baggers, he would be the seventh player in program history to do so as he is the third edit to the top-10 list in the past four seasons as Matt Kirk's 25 in 2022 tied the program record and his 24 in 2023 rank second in program annals.

Zirwas has gone for multiple doubles twice, most recently against Central Michigan, May 11. His two doubles rank as the second-most in a game in the MAC.

VANCE'S LEVEL UP
A staple of the Eastern middle infield the past two seasons, Cooper Vance is experiencing a breakout season at the plate. Vance is slashing a career-best .293/.395/.477. He has also set career bests figures in runs (43), hits (51), doubles (12), and home runs (six). Vance needs just two more RBI to match his career high of 30 from the 2024 season, and three to surpass it. From 2024-25, his slugging percentage has improved by .92, his batting average by .39, and his on-base percentage by 41.

COMPLETE GAME
Eastern posted double-digit runs (15), hits (13), RBI (15), walks (offensive - 12), and strikeouts (pitching - 15) in the same game for the first time in 21 years in a 15-6 win at Albany, April 17. The Eagles last accomplished the feat against the NCAA Division II Wayne State Warriors, March 22, 2004. Eastern recorded 13 runs, 11 hits, 10 RBI, 10 walks (offensive), and 10 strikeouts (pitching) en route to a 13-3 win. Additionally, the walks and strikeouts totals marked the most in the Head Coach Robbie Britt era.

JELLISON SACRIFICE FLIES
Junior infielder Bruce Jellison excels in hitting sacrifice flies as he ranks second in the MAC and sixth in the nation with eight on the season. He most recently tallied his eighth SF of the season when he drove in Logan Hugo with a fly-out to left field against Kent State, May 15. A first-year transfer from the highly-touted Wabash Valley College Junior College program, Jellison led all of JuCo with nine sacrifice flies in 2024.

DREW BECKNER ON THE BUMP
Senior left-hander Drew Beckner has pitched well this season. Through 14 starts (73.1 IP - 4th most in the MAC), he has struck out 75 batters (T3rd in the MAC) while walking just 35, has allowed 45 earned runs, 51 total runs, held opposing batters to a .270 average, and given up 79 hits. With a 3-2 record on the year, his three wins are tied for the sixth-most in the conference. Expected to make a minimum of one more start this season, Beckner has set NCAA Division I career-best marks as a starter in innings pitched (73.1), strikeouts (75), walks (35), ERA (5.52), and WHIP (1.55).

BECKNER PUNCH OUTS
Drew Beckner recorded at least eight strikeouts in three consecutive outings, April 4-17. He is the first EMU pitcher to do so since Sam Delaplane (10, 8, 12) did in the 2017 season, March 31-April 14, posting 30 strikeouts total in the three starts. Beckner struck out eight in his start against Ball State, April 4, eight against Toledo, April 11, and 10 at Albany, April 17, for a total of 26 strikeouts.

CARDIAC EAGLES
Eastern has five comeback wins when trailing by at least three runs this season, surpassing the three it had in the 2024 campaign. Two of the four comeback wins have come in the ninth inning with the Eagles putting up eight runs in the frame for the victory. Eastern trailed Western Michigan, 7-2, entering the ninth, March 14, before putting up eight runs to win, 10-8. The Eagles accomplished the feat again in a 9-5 win over Ohio, March 29, as they entered the ninth down, 5-1, and rattled off eight to secure the 9-5 victory.

Although not in the ninth, the Eagles came back from a four-run deficit to beat Kent State in the 12th inning, 12-11, May 15. Kent scored four in the top of the 12th before Cooper Vance walked it off with a two-run blast to left, capping the five runs EMU scored in the frame.

BETTER THAN PROJECTED
The Eagles were predicted to finish 10th in the conference in the MAC Preseason Coaches' Poll. They have soared past that prediction, as they finished the regular season sixth in the conference with a 12-18 MAC record and at one point tied for the top spot in the conference.

AHEAD OF SCHEDULE (2024 WIN TOTAL)
The Eagles won 14 games in Robbie Britt's first season last year. Forty-nine games into the 2025 campaign, the Eagles have already surpassed that total with 20 wins. They have also surpassed their 2024-win total when it comes to conference play, as their 13-3 win over NIU in the first game of a doubleheader, May 3 marked their 10th in the MAC after posting nine MAC wins in 2024. EMU is up to 12 conference wins with its 12-11 (12) walk-off win over Kent State, May 15.

EMU posted 14 wins in its first 49 games last season, nine of which came in conference play.

OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION
The Eagles exploded for a season-best offensive performance in game three against the RedHawks, March 22. Eastern set season highs in runs (19) and RBI (18), while also knocking 18 hits and drawing 11 walks, both of which are its second-highest total of the season. Eastern Michigan's 19 runs stand as the sixth-most in a single game in the MAC and its 18 RBI slot seventh, its five doubles are the fourth-most, hits are the seventh-most, and walks are the sixth-most. Furthermore, its runs and RBI total all serve as the most in the Robbie Britt era.

Eastern's bats particularly popped off in the second inning, scoring nine runs. Its nine runs that inning are the most under Britt and the most since Eastern plated 10 against Toledo, May 4, 2021.

Eastern nearly matched that performance in its 18-13 win over Ohio, March 29. It tied a season best with 18 RBI while setting a season best with 19 hits.

TEAM TRIPLE DOUBLES
The Eagles have reached double-digit marks in runs, hits, and RBI 13 times this season. They hold a 11-2 record in such games. Most recently, Eastern posted 10+ in each category in the 12-11 (12) walk-off win over Kent State, May 15. Eastern scored 12 runs off 15 hits with 11 RBI. EMU lost for the second time this season when posting the team triple double as its 10 runs, 12 hits, and 10 RBI was not enough in a 12-10 loss to Notre Dame, May 13.

BIG FISCH IN A LITTLE POND
Freshman right-hander Fischer Hendershot has the most saves of any freshman in the MAC as he ranks second on the team and seventh in the conference in terms of value with three behind Ethan Davis' four. Hendershot's three saves are the most from an Eastern freshman since Thomas House recorded four in his freshman campaign in 2018. He most recently earned a save in the Eagles' 9-7 win over Albany, April 19, as he got the final out of the game.

KINGS OF THE FIFTH
The Eagles have thrived in the fifth inning, scoring roughly 19.4% of their total runs (375) in the frame as they have scored 73 runs in the fifth, their highest total in any inning this season and 19 runs more than their second-highest scoring inning (3rd - 54 runs).

STRONG IN THE NINTH
Eastern has allowed just 22 runs in the ninth inning, its least amount of runs allowed in any inning this season. The 22 runs allowed in the ninth account for just 5.3% of its total runs allowed (412).

IMPORTANCE OF THE SIXTH
The sixth inning has provided insight on whether the Eagles will win or lose the game. When leading after six innings, Eastern posts a 14-4 record. Conversely, when trailing after six, EMU is 3-21. EMU earned its 14th win of the season when leading after six innings against Central Michigan, May 10, as it concluded the sixth with a 7-3 advantage and won the game, 9-7. Most recently, the Eagles came back to win for the third time after being down following the conclusion of the sixth inning courtesy of Cooper Vance's walk-off two-run home run to seal a 12-11 (12) win over Kent State, May 15.

Eastern lost for the fourth time after leading after the sixth inning in game two of a doubleheader at BGSU, April 26. EMU led, 6-4, after six, but lost, 10-9.

UPCOMING MILESTONES
Cooper Vance is one hit away from reaching 100 in his career. Giano Zuccaro is 11 hits away from reaching the 200-mark, two home runs away from posting 20 in his career, and three doubles from 50. Brendan Kleiman needs nine knocks to reach 100 in his NCAA career. Drew Beckner reached the 200 strikeouts milestone with his eight against Ball State, April 4. He currently has 228 in his career.

ONE WEEK, TWO SAVES
Ethan Davis' four saves lead the Eagles and stand as the sixth-most in the MAC. Furthermore, he is the first Eastern hurler to earn two saves in one week since Trevor House did so in the 2021 season against Toledo in the first game of a doubleheader, May 11, and against Northern Illinois, May 15 as he earned one save in both of his appearances out of the bullpen against Akron, March 7-9. Davis tallied 3.1 innings pitched and allowed just one run while issuing zero walks and striking out two. Davis plays a large role in the much-improved Eastern bullpen that through 46 games has more than doubled its save total from last season (four) as it currently posts nine.

KAPA'S COMPLETE GAME
Tyler Kapa pitched a seven-inning complete game against Presbyterian in the first game of a doubleheader, March 1, becoming the first EMU hurler to throw a complete game since his teammate, Bobby Jones threw an eight-inning complete game last season against Northern Illinois (May 16). Kapa is one of 239 pitchers nationally and eight in the MAC to have thrown a complete game this season. He allowed seven hits and three earned runs, while striking out nine and walking two. Overall, he is tied for 56th in the nation with his one complete game.

LAST TIME OUT: VS KENT STATE, MAY 15-17
Eastern is coming off a 2-1 series-loss to Kent State, May 15-17. Despite losing the series, EMU did what it needed to in winning at least one game courtesy of Cooper Vance's walk-off two-run home run to seal a 12-11 (12) win over the Golden Flashes in the series-opener, May 15.

ON THE HORIZON
Should Eastern win its first-round game against Ball State, it will match up with the first-seeded Miami RedHawks in a second-round game Thursday, May 22, 2 p.m.

Conversely, if EMU loses in the first round, it will play the loser of Bowling Green vs. Toledo Thursday, May 22, 10 a.m.

FOLLOW US
For all things EMU Baseball, be sure to check out the team's social media accounts, including EMU_Baseball on X (formerly Twitter) and emu_baseball on Instagram.

Previously Noted
WELCOMING HISTORY
Eastern welcomed back its 1975 and 1976 College World Series teams with its 50-Year College World Series & Alumni Day Celebration as the Eagles took on the Golden Flashes Friday, May 16.

Before Eastern Michigan's runs to the College World Series in 1975 and again in 1976, only two other MAC schools (Ohio and Western Michigan) had ever advanced to the national tournament. Kent State's trip to the Super Regional and CWS in 2012 marked the first time a MAC team had returned to that phase of the tournament since the NCAA introduced the format in 1999.

The Green and White of that era featured a lineup full of major-league talent, including the pitching duo of Bob Owchinko and Bob Welch, who both ended up becoming first-round draft selections, as Owchinko was the No. 5 pick by the San Diego Padres in 1976 and Welch the 20th by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977. Both had extensive careers in the MLB, most notably Welch, who won the 1990 National League Cy Young Award with the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitched his way to a team-best 1.82 ERA in 1976 along with a 10-3 record.

Seven additional members of the College World Series squads were taken in Major League drafts from 1976-78.

HONORED SENIORS
Eastern honored its 11 seniors in the final home game of the 2025 season Saturday, May 17 vs Kent State. The Eagles will recognized Drew Beckner, Logan Hugo, Giano Zuccaro, Brendan Kleiman, Harrison Travis, Jad Oestrike, Andrew Dukesherer, Tyler Kapa, Bobby Jones, Lucas Johnson, and Dom Anderson.

KAPA PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Tyler Kapa was named MAC Co-Pitcher of the Week, April 21. He struck out a MAC-high and career-best 11 batters without allowing a run for the first time in his NCAA Division I career, giving up a Division I career-low one hit, and walking two in the Eagles' 9-7 series-clinching win over Albany, April 19. He also tied a Division I career long outing with six innings pitched. Kapa was especially lethal with runners on base as he held the Great Danes' hitless (0-for-8) and excelled in ending innings, limiting Albany to a .143 (1-for-7) clip with two outs. Kapa's performance is the first instance of an EMU pitcher striking out 11 without allowing a run since current Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates Double-A Affiliate) pitcher Justin Meis punched out 11 without allowing a run off two hits and one walk in a 13-2 win over St. Bonaventure, May 1, 2021.

DREW BECKNER: MAC PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Senior left-hander Drew Beckner was named MAC Pitcher of the Week for the first time in his career, April 14. He pitched a gem in his start against the Toledo Rockets, April 11. Beckner tied what used to be a career high with eight strikeouts for the third time this season and second consecutive game, as he didn't allow an earned run, pitched 6.2 innings, and held opposing batters to a .174 average. His eight strikeouts rank as the fourth-most in a game in the MAC and the most strikeouts from a single pitcher from April 11-13. Beckner also held strong with runners on base, limiting his opposition to a .200 clip (2-for-10). Furthermore, the zero earned run start marked the first of Beckner's NCAA Division I career.

The honor marked the first of Beckner's career and the Eagles' third player of the week award of the season as Logan Hugo (Feb. 25) and Devan Zirwas (March 4) previously earned the recognition as position players.

Furthermore, Beckner was the first Eastern pitcher to garner the accolade since current pitching development assistant Nick Chittum earned the honor after pitching a complete game shutout against Western Michigan in the second game of a doubleheader, March 24, 2024.

ZIRWAS MAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Devan Zirwas earned the first conference player of the week award of his career, March 4, and the Eagles' second consecutive as Logan Hugo won the award the previous week, Feb. 25. Zirwas paced the Eagles in nearly all offensive categories. In 17 at-bats, he batted .529, knocked nine hits, four of which went for extra bases (three doubles, one home run), while driving in three runs, and totaling 15 bases.

Zirwas struck out just twice on the week as he posted a 1.411 OPS (.882 slugging, .529 on-base) and played a perfect first base, totaling 28 putouts, three assists, and a 1.000% fielding clip. Zirwas tallied multiple hits in 3-of-4 games on the week, starting the series with a 3-for-5 performance with one run, two doubles, and one RBI, before batting 2-for-3 with one run scored in game two, 1-for-4 with one double in game three, and 3-for-5 in the series finale with one run scored, one home run, and two RBI.

NOTABLES FROM WIN AT MICHIGAN
Eastern's 9-8 win over Michigan, March 25, marked its first true road win over a "Power Four" program since it bested the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 6-5, to secure a series win, March 11, 2018. The result marked the first time that Eastern Michigan defeated a Big Ten Conference team on the road since it beat Ohio State, April 12, 2017. Eastern also picked up its first win in Ann Arbor since April 15, 2015, ending an eight-game losing streak in the city.

MULTIPLE P4 WINS FOR BRITT
With two wins over Michigan in his first two seasons as head coach, Robbie Britt became the fourth head coach in program history to earn multiple "power four" wins in his first two seasons at the helm of the program. Roger Coryell won five from 1989-90, Jay Alexander won six from 2009-10, and Mark Van Ameyde won four from 2015-16.

NOTABLES FROM WIN VS MICHIGAN IN 2024
Eastern's 14-4 run-ruling victory over Michigan last season, March 19, marked its largest win over a Power Four team since is bested the Purdue Boilermakers by 18 runs (20-2) in the 2013 season, May 14. It was the first time the Eagles have beat a power four team since they beat Notre Dame of the ACC in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 22, 2019. The game also served as the first time Eastern Michigan defeated the Wolverines since April 15, 2015, when it bested Michigan in Ann Arbor, 4-3. It was also the first time the Eagles defeated the Wolverines at home since April 23, 2013, when Eastern won a high-scoring game, 15-10.

BEATING THE TOURNEY CHAMPS PT. 2
For the second straight season, Eastern Michigan has beat the reigning MAC Tournament Champion in a series. Eastern bested the reigning tournament champs, Western Michigan, March 14-15, after taking 2-of-3 from Ball State in the 2024 season, March 8-10. Eastern's series win over Western marked the first time it has beaten the reigning MAC Tournament Champion in consecutive seasons since 2007-08. Eastern swept the 2006 MAC Tournament Champions, Ball State, in a three-game slate in the 2007 season, April 20-22, before besting the 2007 tournament champion, Kent State, 12-4, May 24, in its lone match up of the season in 2008 to clinch the MAC Tournament Championship.

NO STRIKEOUTS
Eastern did not strikeout in its loss to Western Michigan in the second game of a double header, March 14, marking the fewest strikeouts in the Robbie Britt era and the fewest since the Eagles didn't strikeout in a game against Western Michigan, April 23, 2017. Furthermore, Eastern is one of two teams in the MAC to not strikeout in a game this season as Western Michigan didn't strikeout in its 6-0 shutout at Michigan, March 18.

YEAR TWO UNDER BRITT
Head Coach Robbie Britt enters his second season at the helm of the program in 2025. The 2025 campaign marks Britt's sixth overall season as a collegiate head coach. In 225 career games, Britt posts a 139-86 record and .617 career winning percentage. The Eagles went 14-38 in Britt's first season.

NOTABLES FROM AKRON SERIES
Many notables came out of the sweep of the Akron Zips, March 7-9. It marked the third straight season the Eagles have won their conference-opening series, the first time they have done so since 2010-12, as well as the program's first sweep in the conference-opening series since it swept Bowling Green to open MAC play in the 2016 season. The sweep also marked the first road sweep in a MAC series since Eastern swept BGSU in a four-game MAC tilt on the road in the 2021 season, May 7-8. The Eagles won the first game of the series, improving Robbie Britt's record in conference-openers to a perfect 6-0. Finally, the sweep was the first in the Britt era, and elevated the Eagles' record north of .500 (.538) for the first time under Britt.

HUGO MAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior outfielder Logan Hugo was named MAC Player of the Week for the first time in his career, Feb. 25. In 13 at-bats, Hugo batted .538 with a 1.000 slugging percentage and 1.600 OPS. He notched seven hits, four of which went for extra bases (three doubles, one homer), while driving in seven runs, and totaling a MAC single-game high 13 bases. The Essexville, Mich., native also worked one walk and one hit by pitch while going strikeout free for the week.

Hugo started the week with a 4-for-5 performance from the plate with a MAC single-game high three doubles and four RBI while scoring one run. He then went 1-for-4 from the dish in game two with one home run, two RBI, and two runs scored, before batting 2-for-4 in the series finale, driving in one run.

PG PRESEASON ALL-MAC
Bobby Jones and Drew Jones were named Preseason First Team All-MAC by Perfect Game. Entering his second season with the Eagles, Drew Jones batted .265 last season with a .730 OPS. He drove in 14 runs, totaled two homers, and 10 multi-hit games. He also walked-off the regular season MAC Champs, Bowling Green, via a two-run double, May 10.

BRITT PRIOR TO EASTERN
Robbie Britt's hiring was announced by EMU, June 16, 2023. A highly-accomplished program leader with four seasons as a Division II head coach, Britt arrived in Ypsilanti after serving as the head coach at the University of Charleston (W. Va.) from 2020-23. Posting a .722 career winning percentage (125-48), he has an extensive coaching resume which includes stops at the NCAA Division I, II, and III ranks along with high school and club baseball. Britt was the head coach at the University of Charleston (W. Va.) from 2020-23. The Maryville, Tenn., native owned the seventh-best winning percentage among active Division II head coaches. He had built the Golden Eagles into a perennial power at the Division II level with three NCAA appearances, three conference regular season championships, and two conference tournament titles. The third-winningest coach in program history, Britt's Charleston teams were dominant at home, posting a 72-14 record (.837 winning percentage) on their own field.

BOBBY JONES: ALL-MAC RETURNER
Eastern returns one All-MAC player in senior right-handed pitcher Bobby Jones. Earning a second-team nod last season, Jones led the team in ERA (6.28), WHIP (1.31), wins (five), innings pitched (86.0), and strikeouts (79), while issuing the second-least amount of walks of any EMU starter (24), and allowing the lowest opposing batting average of all starters (.255). Additionally, Jones' 86.0 innings on the mound ranked as the most in the MAC, while ranking seventh in the conference in opposing batting average, strikeouts, and walks allowed.

KEY RETURNERS: POSITION PLAYERS
The Eagles return key position players in Giano Zuccaro and Logan Hugo.

Zuccaro averaged .341 with a .946 OPS, adding 57 hits and 12 doubles along with 30 RBI. His hits, doubles, and triples (two) all ranked as the second-most on the team while playing a clean outfield with a 1.000 fielding percentage and two assists.

Hugo averaged .284 from the dish with a .857 OPS, adding 52 hits and a team-high 10 home runs, totaling 19 extra base hits, along with 30 RBI. Also a threat on the base paths, Hugo led the team with 18 stolen bases on 22 attempts in 2024, and was second on the squad with 92 total bases.

KEY RETURNERS: PITCHERS
Along with Second Team All-MAC selection Bobby Jones, the Eagles return veteran left-hander Drew Beckner. In 15 total appearances and 10 starts last season, he posted a 6.52 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, held opposing batters to a .262 average, and stuck out 62 while walking 50. In 69 innings of work, Beckner allowed 59 runs (50 earned), 70 hits, and 21 extra-base hits (eight homers).

KEY TRANSFERS: POSITION PLAYERS
Among 17 other transfers, Eastern brings in junior outfielder John Hale and graduate student catcher Harrison Travis.

By way of Motlow State Community College, Hale batted .347 with a .999 OPS and totaled 50 hits, 14 of which went for extra bases while four left the yard. Hale showed discipline at the dish, working 35 walks and striking out just 26 times. He was dangerous on the base paths as well, stealing 18 bases in 24 attempts all while playing a perfect outfield in 90 chances.

Entering his sixth year of collegiate baseball, Travis spent five seasons at Carson-Newman where he earned two SAC Player of the Week Awards and was named Preseason Second Team All-SAC prior to the 2023 season. Most recently in 2024, Travis posted career numbers nearly across the board. He averaged .297 from the plate with a 1.066 OPS while drilling 25 extra-base hits (13 homers, 12 doubles), driving in 39 runs and working 21 walks while striking out 29 times.

KEY TRANSFERS: PITCHERS
The Eagles most notably added right-handers Tyler Kapa and Michael Pfeiffer from the portal.

Kapa made the move up to Division I from Davenport University (Mich.). In 2024, Kapa had 19 appearances, all in relief, posting a 5.17 ERA and holding opposing batters to a .230 average. In 15.2 innings of work, he struck out 28 while walking 17 and allowed 14 hits, just four of which went for extra bases (two doubles, one triple, one homer).

Pfeiffer made the move to Eastern from Alabama JuCo, Northwest Shoals Community College. Last season as a sophomore, he had 14 appearances, posted a 4-3 record, totaled 75 innings on the mound with a 3.72 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, struck out 66 while walking 25 for an average of 7.92 strikeouts per game, allowed 31 earned runs, and gave up 69 hits with just three going for extra bases (three home runs).

KEY FRESHMEN
EMU brings in 10 freshmen this season. Infielder Connor Walsh stands out among other position players. In his senior season at Mattawan High School, Walsh was named First Team All-SMAC, All-District Division I, First Team All-State, and was selected to the Michigan High School Baseball Association Dream Team. As a senior, he batted .462 with a 1.094 OPS, had 48 hits, 24 RBI, and 36 runs, while working 17 walks and striking out just eight times while stealing 15 bases. He also earned three All-SMAC honors as a basketball player and graduated Summa Cum laude.

Fischer Hendershot is a notable addition on the mound. He was an all-conference, all-region, and academic all-state athlete in his high school career. His Flint Powers Catholic Chargers won the Saginaw Valley Conference and Division II State Championship in 2024. Additionally, Hendershot pitched a five-inning shutout in the state title game.

THE SEASON AHEAD
Throughout the 49-game season, the Eagles will play three neutral site games, 28 road contests, and 16 home games. Eastern will compete in eight different states including Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and South Carolina. Outside of its MAC opponents, Eastern will face teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference, Atlantic Sun Conference, America East Conference, Big South Conference, Big Ten Conference, and the Horizon League.

NEWCOMERS
The Eagles are welcoming 27 new players to the roster for the 2025 season. EMU welcomes 10 freshmen and 17 transfers to the team.

The freshmen include: Tyler Yudess, Connor Walsh, Anthony Hutter, Michael Ciavolella, Henry Slaby, Ethan LaPointe, Colin Milligan, Jayden Bailey, Fischer Hendershot, and Cal Rutherford.

Transfers include: Keegan Martin, Nick Keane, Bruce Jellison, Devan Zirwas, Eric Boothe, John Hale, DJ Morand, Ben Schechterman, Harrison Travis, Ty Stecko, Michael Pfeiffer, Drew Norris, Eli Henderson, Kevin Krill, Tyler Kapa, Emmett Gillies, and Ethan Davis.

MAC TRANSFERS
Eastern brings in two transfers from opposing MAC teams, both of which come by way of Akron. Sophomore Emmett Gillies totaled 29 appearances for the Zips from 2023-24 while junior Eric Boothe spent his freshman campaign (2023) with Akron but did not see game action.

MAC PRESEASON POLL
The Eagles were predicted to finish 10th out of 11 teams in 2025. Ball State received the most regular season first-place votes (six) and points (95). It is also predicted to win the tournament championship, earning five of such votes.

77 YEARS OF BASEBALL IN YPSI
The 2025 campaign marks the 77th season of EMU baseball. Overall, the program holds a 36-40 record in season-opening contests dating back to the program's first season, 1949. Last season, the Eagles fell to the Belmont Bruins in the first game of the year, 4-3.

BRITT'S ASSISTANTS
Joining Robbie Britt in his second year at Eastern are assistant coaches Trevor Beerman, Craig Prince, and Andrew DiTullio. Beerman serves as the program's recruiting coordinator while coaching outfielders and assisting with the offense, Prince acts as the program's pitching coach, while DiTullio serves as the team's offensive coordinator and coaches infielders.

COACHING TIES
Britt and Beerman previously crossed paths at the University of Charleston (W. Va.), as Beerman served as an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator for the Golden Eagles under Britt.
Beerman and Prince have also worked together in the past as both were at Bluffton University from 2018-20, where both served as assistant coaches.

PROGRAM PILLARS
Eastern baseball aims to create student-athletes who will succeed throughout life via its program pillars: Graduate Leaders, Develop Stewards, and Create Champions. Arriving in Ypsilanti with a background in education and leadership, Britt aims to create a strong culture at Eastern Michigan.

EARNING THE SCRIPT E
Ahead of the 2025 season, Eastern baseball student-athletes had to earn the right to don the historic Script E. By upholding the program standard, going above and beyond the call of duty, excelling in the arenas of classroom, competition, and community, select Eastern baseball student-athletes earned the right to wear the Script E.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

Baseball Poised for First MAC Tournament Game in Seven Seasons, Takes on Ball State Wednesday

Related News

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Dom Anderson

Jayden Bailey

Drew Beckner

Eric Boothe

Nick Chittum

Michael Ciavolella

Ethan Davis

Andrew Dukesherer

Emmett Gillies

John Hale

Fischer Hendershot

Eli Henderson

Logan Hugo

Anthony Hutter

Bruce Jellison

Lucas Johnson

Bobby Jones

Drew Jones

Tyler Kapa

Nick Keane

Brendan Kleiman

Kevin Krill

Ethan LaPointe

Keegan Martin

Colin Milligan

DJ Morand

Drew Norris

Jad Oestrike

Michael Pfeiffer

Cal Rutherford

Ben Schechterman

Henry Slaby

Ty Stecko

Harrison Travis

Cooper Vance

Connor Walsh

Tyler Yudess

Devan Zirwas

Giano Zuccaro

Related Videos