In last place for the Mid-American Conference West Division, the Ball State University baseball team begins a three-game home series against first-place Eastern Michigan University today.
The Eagles are 9-1 in conference games, while the Cardinals are four games back with a 4-8 MAC record.
Beals said today's game sets the tempo for the rest of the series.
"If you lose the first game it puts your back to the wall, having to win the last two games," Beals said.
Ryan DeGeeter will be starting on the mound in today's game, Beals said.
DeGeeter used to start on Sunday's but was moved up last weekend because Friday's normal starter, Brenden Stines, needed more rest after his mid-week start. Stines started Sunday but will be moved up to Saturday this weekend, pushing Tyler Pritchard to Sunday, Beals said.
"We're still at the mercy of how the rotation has gone so far," Beals said. "DeGeeter started last Friday, so by having him Friday it gives him his normal rest. Pritchard has had some tendinitis in his elbow so we are just trying to give him as much rest as possible."
If Pritchard can't take the mound on Sunday, Beals said Richie Fralick will take his place in the rotation.
DeGeeter's counterpart for Eastern Michigan on Friday will likely be Jeff Fisher.
"Their starting pitcher on Friday is probably the best starting pitcher in the conference," Beals said.
Fisher has struck out 55 batters in 52 1/3 innings while compiling a 3.10 ERA and a 3-3 record so far this season.
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