CMU Travels to UNC-Asheville for Four Game Set

MOUNT PLEASANT -- After splitting its four games during the opening week of the 2009 season, the Central Michigan baseball team will travel to face Big South foe UNC Asheville for a four-game set this weekend.

The series kicks off with a 2 p.m. first pitch on Friday, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday that starts at 11 a.m. The finale of the four-game set is scheduled for noon on Sunday.

The Chippewas’ offense, a question mark entering the season, is averaging 10.5 runs per game in the early going, but the pitching (6.94 ERA) and defense (eight errors in four games) have not equaled that production.

Several of the new faces in the Maroon and Gold lineup had impressive opening weeks, but none better than Rhett Goodmiller. The Ossian, Ind. native hit .600 (6-of-10) with a walk and was hit by a pitch five times for a .750 on-base percentage. He scored seven times and knocked in four while also going 2-for-2 in stolen base attempts.

On the pitching side, a pair of relievers got off to strong starts of the 2009 campaign. Closer Chris Kupillas hasn’t allowed an earned run in 3.2 innings of work and Jesse Hernandez has worked 5.0 innings with a 3.60 ERA and eight strikeouts in two appearances.

The Bulldogs (0-4) have stumbled out of the gate in 2009, dropping their first four contests by a combined margin of -36, all on the road. UNC-Asheville will travel to Furman on Tuesday, before returning home to host CMU in its home opener.

UNC Asheville was picked to finish eighth in the Big South this season in the preseason coaches poll, led by senior SS Kevin Weidenbacher, who batted .337 with 15 doubles and 30 RBI last season and is one of the top position players in the Big South.

Results will be made available on cmuchippewas.com following each contest. UNC-Asheville will also provide live audio and the links can be found here. Friday''s contest, as well as the first game on Saturday and the finale on Sunday will be broadcast.

CMU's Projected Rotation

Friday Steve Teno (0-1, 5.14 ERA)

Saturday Devan Kline (0-0, 12.00 ERA) and Dan Taylor (1-0, 4.50 ERA)

Sunday Rick Dodridge (0-1, 15.00 ERA)