Baseball | 3/27/2017 1:29:00 PM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Golden Eagles have a busy week ahead as they get set to play seven games, five of those being in conference. CU will begin the week with a Tuesday makeup double-header vs. #24 Indiana Tech followed by a Wednesday double-header vs. non-conference opponent Cleary University, with both starting at 2 p.m. Cornerstone will then hit the road for a three game set at Rochester College with a single nine-inning game on Friday at 3 p.m., and a double-header Saturday starting at 11 a.m. All home games will have live video/audio/stats available on cugoldeneagles.com/watch (CSPN).

Scouting Indiana Tech
Indiana Tech has once again been dominant in the early season, starting 19-7, 9-3 WHAC. The Warriors are ranked 24th in the NAIA, after sweeping Marygrove last weekend. IIT as a team gives up very few free bases, as the pitching staff leads the WHAC with just 71 walks allowed, and the fielders are second in the conference in fielding percentage at .969. Offensively, Indiana Tech has two every day starters batting over .400 with Matt Bandor leading the way at .439 with a team best five HR's.
 
Scouting Cleary
Cornerstone will be taking on the USCAA opponent Cleary University for the fourth and fifth time this season after sweeping them in a three game set in Lake Myrtle, Florida. CU scored a franchise best 18 runs in game one vs. Cleary while also earning a 7-6 win and 7-3 win in extra innings. Cleary has posted a 5-11-1 record this season winning their last two vs. Kent State - Tuscarawas. 
 
Scouting Rochester
Rochester has struggled in their first season in the WHAC, going 5-14 overall and 3-9 in conference play. The Warriors have had issues in close games this season, losing four one run games. Offensively, RC has been balanced as Blake German leads the team with a .386 batting average and 27 hits, while Kyle Hartwick has recorded a team best 15 RBI and 2 HR's. From the mound, Mike Berlin has been the most dominant with a 3.46 ERA and 24 strikeouts. As a team from the mound Rochester has struggled though with a 9.54 ERA averaging a conference second worst six walks per game.
 
Offense Back on Track
After scoring four or less runs in eight of their last nine games, the Golden Eagle offense exploded for 23 runs in Saturday's double-header at Aquinas. Cornerstone has now scored 10 or more runs in eight games this season, with a 6-2 record in those games. CU averages 6.7 runs per game on the year, ranking sixth in the WHAC.
 
Starters Depth
The young Cornerstone pitching staff is starting to find some depth in games, as all three CU starters went 5.1 innings or longer in their three game set with Aquinas last weekend. As a team, the Cornerstone pitching staff has had 12 games this season where the starter has gone less than five innings pitched.
 
Difficult Road Ahead
The Golden Eagles path to qualifying for the WHAC Tournament in May has some major obstacles in the way, as two of their next three conference series are against NAIA top 25 opponents. CU will host #24 Indiana Tech on Tuesday and then host #17 Northwestern Ohio on April 7-8. Cornerstone also has yet to see #RV Davenport this year, who they will host on April 28-29.
 
Keltner's No Hit Performance
Sophomore Clay Keltner has shined over his past couple of starts, highlighted by a seven inning no hit performance at Aquinas last weekend. Keltner was unable to complete the game due to pitch count, but he did earn the win improving to 2-1 on the year. Due to Keltner's stellar performance, he was awarded Golden Eagle of the Week and nominated for WHAC Pitcher of the Week.
 
Eeles Consistency
Freshman Brady Eeles from Acvorth, Georgia has played a huge role so far this season for the Golden Eagles. The utility player has spent most of his time in left field and in the leadoff spot and has recorded a team third best .337 BA. Eeles is also tied for a team lead 34 hits along with recording a team best seven stolen bases in eight attempts this season. Eeles has also spent three appearances on the mound this season, as he holds a 1-1 record and a 6.75 ERA.
 
Trio of Homeruns
Cornerstone saw three balls go over the fence in their series at Aquinas last weekend. Jarod Burton (3), Jonny Abbadusky (2), and Levi Martin (1) all hit homeruns last weekend to give the team 12 total on the year. Jarod Burton and Joe Corsten are currently tied for the team lead in HR's with three each this season.
 
Krupansky Back on Track
After recording just three hits in eight consecutive games, sophomore Aaron Krupansky was able to get back on track offensively with six hits in his last two games. Krupansky is batting .333 on the year and is tied for a team second best 34 hits. Krupansky has also scored 20 runs for the Golden Eagles along with 40 total bases.
 
Baseball Contact: Jesse Campbell 
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