Ball State hosts in-state rival Purdue today after winning six of its last seven games.
The Cardinals (12-9) enters the game having swept Mid-American Conference rival Bowling Green last weekend.
Purdue (5-12) is on a four-game winning streak after suffering through a 10-game losing streak. The Boilermakers swept MAC team Western Michigan last weekend, 9-5, 4-0, and 6-0.
But Purdue's record thus far is not necessarily indicative of the quality of the team. According to www.boydsworld.com, one of two leading college baseball Web sites that ranks each team's strength of schedule, the Boilermakers have played the toughest schedule in the country, including a three-game sweep by No. 1 Texas and a loss to No. 7 Rice.
"Their schedule has been extremely difficult," coach Greg Beals said. "We're looking at Purdue as a tough Big Ten, in-state rival. I think the key for us is to keep the ball rolling and to continue playing Ball State baseball."
Purdue holds a 40-31-2 record over Ball State in the series history, although Ball State has taken the last two games. The Cardinals defeated the Boilermakers last year, 4-1, in their most recent match-up. At Ball Diamond in 2003 the Cards won 21-17.
Ryan DeGeeter, who started this season as the team's third starter, will be coming out of the bullpen for the time being. Beals said the sophomore is working on his confidence after several tough outings to start the season.
"We're in a mode now where we're just trying to get him back to pitching to his capabilities," Beals said. "We're working on him getting his confidence back so he can get back to a prominent role, which I fully expect him to."
For now, Michael Hale will replace DeGeeter as the third starter. Hale started Sunday against BGSU, pitching six innings and allowing two runs on six hits. He struck out one in his first starting appearance of the season.
Luke Behning will take the mound today in his second start of the season. He has a 4.66 ERA and a 1-1 record. But Beals said there might be as many as six Ball State pitchers to take the mound today to give as much playing time heading into the weekend.
Joe Ness was named MAC West Pitcher of the Week, the second week in a row in which the honor went to a Ball State pitcher. Last week, Ben Snyder won the award for his performance against Oakland. Ness pitched six innings in the opener against Bowling Green, allowing one run on five hits and struck out nine.
Notre Dame has been added to the schedule as a result of last week's cancellation at Indiana. The Cardinals and Hoosiers couldn't find a mutual date to play, so Ball State will travel to South Bend next Wednesday.
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