Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Brayden Bakes across Baseball.
The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft once again underscored the steady flow of talent emerging from the Missouri Valley Conference, as seven of its athletes were selected across the opening ten rounds.
Over 14 weeks, Baseball America highlighted top college baseball talent, honoring 151 players and spotlighting repeat performers, including five‑time selection Evan Dempsey.
Illinois State’s Brayden Bakes set a new program hit record in a 18-8 defeat to Michigan State, while his brother Ryan homered and Luke Stulga delivered another multi-hit game.
The Panthers conclude their schedule with trips to Illinois State and Western Illinois after a 0‑3 stretch against SIUE, highlighted by Tyler Conklin’s pitching, Ethan Rossi’s .600 average and Chris Worcester’s 200th hit.
The Missouri Valley Conference revealed its weekly award winners, highlighted by UIC’s Ashton Kampa, Southern Illinois’ Troy Shepard and Evansville’s Spike Magill, while confirming the final spots for the 2026 MVC Baseball Championship.