The Eastern Kentucky University baseball team is set to close out its 2026 campaign with a three‑game series at Bellarmine, marking the final stretch of a season that has seen the Colonels rally after a slow start.
Series Schedule and Broadcast
The first two contests will tip off at 3 p.m. Eastern on Thursday and Friday, while the finale is slated for a 1 p.m. start on Saturday, and all three games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
EKU enters the series with a 15‑37 overall record but has turned a corner, winning five of its last eight outings and snapping a road series victory at Austin Peay that lifted its conference tally to 7‑20.
Key Players to Watch
A big part of that resurgence has been the emergence of several standout players, including senior infielder Dylan Littlefield, who is batting .342 over the past ten games with a home run, three doubles, six RBIs and six runs scored. Pitcher Jacob Price continues to shine, having earned ASUN Pitcher of the Week honors for the second straight week after a two‑start stretch in which he surrendered just one run over 14 innings while striking out 14. Meanwhile, Pedro Moreno has been a consistent presence in the lineup, ranking among the ASUN leaders in triples, doubles and walks, while Khaleel Pratt and Kobe Benson have both been tied for third in the conference in walks, underscoring their patience at the plate.
Bellarmine’s Offensive Threat
Heading into the series, Bellarmine brings a 19‑31 record and a potent offense led by graduate first baseman AJ Swader, who tops the team with a .378 average, 20 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and 58 RBIs. The Knights also boast the second‑highest team ERA in the ASUN at 8.24, with Deaton Oak and reliever Cade Rusch providing depth on the mound, combining for 24 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings and 36 strikeouts in 30 1/3 relief appearances respectively.
Historical Context
Historically, EKU holds a 27‑16‑1 edge in the all‑time series, yet Bellarmine has won six straight meetings and even captured an 11‑9 victory on April 12 in Richmond, where Pratt’s grand slam highlighted a six‑run eighth inning. With the series on the horizon, both coaches are emphasizing execution and discipline, knowing that a win could reshape the final conference standings and provide a morale boost heading into the offseason.